Tuesday, August 26, 2014

10 tips for Romancing your Muse (and Divorcing Writer's Block)



As a fantasy writer, I can generally find inspiration in anything. Here are 10 ways that work for me:

1)  A solid sleep pattern, some exercise, and good nutrition. (Okay, I fail at most of these three, but it doesn't mean you can't try)

2) A personal thesaurus. I have a journal filled with altenate words for the ones I tend to use often, turns of phrase, and varied descriptions for emotions, colors, buildings, trees etc;

3) A journal of the world and characters. I keep sketches, details, pictures and notes that inspire me. I've made a journal for every world I've ever written.

4) The library. I can browse a variety of subjects: history, science, mythology, sociology, architecture...anything that might spark my imagination.

5) Word tin. Remember those magnetic poetry kits? Whenever a word catches my fancy, I write it on a cardboard tab and put it in a tin. Occasionally, I'll dump the tabs out and come up with all sorts of interesting word combinations, some I might actually be able to use.

6) Music. If I need intense emotion in a scene I'm writing, I'll listen to music that reflects that mood.

7) Pinterest and the websites of my favorite artists. These sometimes give me great visual or atmospheric inspiration.

8) Get away. I'll take a walk, re-pot plants, clean my house, shop, work on something else. And I'll return to the story renewed.

9) Read. After 20 years of writing, I think I've found my own voice, so I don't worry about taking on the voices of others. Reading other authors keeps me from going stale.

10) Watch a film. I'll choose a film that reminds me of the scene or mood I'm trying to convey. When I want to write a scary scene, I'll watch a scary movie...

If you have any tips for temporary writer's block, feel free to comment!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

GOODREADS CHAT TODAY

Join me and these other fantastic authors for a Goodreads question and answer chat throughout the day, if you so choose . . .





Here's the link: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/140707-new-voices-in-fiction-authors-from-william-morrow

Just post your questions, any kind, to any of us! I'll be checking in morning, afternoon, and later in the evening, until 11 PM.

Monday, August 18, 2014

THORN JACK + VISIONS GIVEAWAY WINNER!



And the winner of a signed hardcover copy of THORN JACK and the reprint book Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland by Lady Gregory is . . . AISHA!

Congratulations!

You'll be receiving your email confirmation soon, with full name and address request. :)


Monday, August 11, 2014

Thorn Jack Book Giveaway!

THORN JACK GIVEAWAY + BONUS BOOK!

For a chance to win a signed, hardcover copy of Thorn Jack, together with a trade paperback reprint of Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland by Lady Gregory (the book that inspired the second incarnation of Thorn Jack), just sign up for my newsletter this week, from the date of this post, to Sunday August 17. One winner will be selected at random and receive both books. (If you've already signed up, you're included!).

You may sign up at this link,on my website's contact page, under Mailing List and the Join Now button:  http://katherineharbour.com/contact.php


The pretty newsletter may include upcoming author events, contest news, news on Thorn Jack and its 2 sequels, fascinating faery lore, and more about the world of Thorn Jack.

If you're under 18, please submit a parent's name and email address





The winner will be announced on this blog on August 18!

Monday, August 4, 2014