Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Unique View

I have such a great time when you all stop by Writing to Distraction.  It's been fun getting to know each of you.  Sometimes it feels like we are just sitting around having coffee and chatting about our writing, favorite books, and even the weather. (If you missed any of those conversations you'll have to backtrack . . .in the snow!)

One thing about blogging is that there are two layers:  the post and the comments.  Not everyone leaves a comment, and that's OK.  But everyone can read the comments, because that's where you, and others like you, get to share and listen in on the discussion.  I love to hear your thoughts and learn what's important to you.  Or just have you say "hello".  So, you may want to check back later to see what we're talking about.  Feel free to interact with one another and  I'll also respond to comments when I check in to get your view on things.

Here are a few photos taken on different days this week from my window looking toward the farm adjacent to our property -a beautiful winter sunset and December morning fog.  The pictures are basically the same view, but they evoke a different feeling because of the varied conditions and time of day.  That is similar to when we write, when we read, or simply contemplate.  There are a lot of factors that can take the same "view" and make it unique.







Yesterday we had a conversation about about debut novels.  It was so good to have you share.  I thought I'd summarize some of the things that you said that stood out in some of the debut's that you've enjoyed . . . your view.

"The language and fluency of that book are hypnotically beautiful."

"she so magically and successfully weaves three...storylines together"
"the writing is lovely, lovely, lovely, and it soon pulls you into a very unusual story."
"It was raw and real and beautifully told."

"The characters' struggles rang true."

"Finding hope in tragedy."

"It just sweeps you along into a beautiful story, time and place. "

"they didn't force themselves to follow any tired old formulas."

"That book reads as if its author cared about it, loved it, nourished and coaxed it along. The attention to detail never faltered and that indicates to me that she respects her readers and I appreciate that."

I'll try to keep these things in mind as I prepare my debut novel for publication!!   ;)

Thank you all for joining me at Writing to Distraction!  I hope you enjoyed the Christmas Blog Candy Giveaway:  winners were Saleslady371, Laura Frantz, and Karen Lange!




What are you reading now?



13 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos, Carla! We have a summer cabin on a remote lake and I'm forever bringing home different photos of the same view, each one with its distinctive mood. I shared three photos of it in my blog some time ago: http://wp.me/phaYw-ic .

    I can appreciate what you're saying about taking the same view and making it unique. There really aren't any "new" stories anymore, but with their own views and voices writers personalize their work and make it fresh. Gives new meaning to 'recycling', doesn't it? ;)

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  2. Nice photos. I'm hoping for a lovely snow myself!

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  3. LOVE the pictures--makes me want to curl up with my coffee and snuggle under a blanket. Great thoughts on taking a unique perspective.

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  4. Careann, I'll take a look at your photos.Mom is a photographer and she has taken some great photos of the Portland Head lighthouse in Maine all with distinctive moods, as well. That's an excellent point - "There really aren't any "new" stories anymore, but with their own views and voices writers personalize their work and make it fresh."

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  5. So what are you all reading when you curl up on a winter's day (or summer's day, depending on what hemisphere you're in)?

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  6. Woohooo for Karen!

    Great post, Carla! It's great to enjoy the views--and to see some Christmas snow!

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  7. The second photo is my favorite. It reminds me of the years I spent in Southern New England.

    A good exercise for writers might be to dig out old scenic photos from vacations, etc. They might provide some inspiration.

    I'm reading, "Leaving Carolina," by Tamara Leigh. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  8. It looks very peaceful where you live, Carla. And very beautiful. I live in the city but my area has a nice little village feel and I really appreciate how God has blessed me to live where I do.

    Careann's comment about there being no 'new' stories anymore reminded me of something I read a while ago. It was in a book on writing and the author stated that every book ever written had its roots in the bible because every story ever told borrows on the plot lines of the greatest stories ever told.

    And you if you think about it, he's right. I can't think of a plot that hasn't been covered in the bible. Of course, authors have their own unique spin, but still the roots of their story can be found somewhere in the Old or New Testament.

    As to what I'm reading:

    Mary Connealy's 'Christmas Cowboy'. It's the first book I've ever read by her and I LOVE her humour. I've been chuckling out loud in the bus and getting very strange looks from my very dour commuting companions.

    I'm also reading Wild West Christmas -- which you talked about on your blog a couple of weeks ago. I'm getting ready to read the last story. I've enjoyed getting to know the Ames sisters. And it's a fun way to 'meet' new-to-me authors.

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  9. Kav, it is peaceful. I used to live in Massachusetts and it was so intense. The pace here in Maine is so nice. The beautiful scenery contributes to it's tranquility. I love it here.

    Profound - "every book ever written had its roots in the bible because every story ever told borrows on the plot lines of the greatest stories ever told." As the good Book says, "there is nothing new under the sun". All our creativity originates from the Creator and Author of our faith. Thanks for sharing that. Would love to know who said it.

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  10. BTW, Kav, I'm glad to hear you're reading Wild West Christmas!

    Susan, that's a great idea! To get out old photos. Sounds like a remedy for writer's block.

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  11. Sorry, Carla -- I can't remember who said that (about the stories in the bible). I'm great for remembering snippets of things but not for remembering where those snippets come from, I'm afraid. :-(

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  12. I think the pictures tell the story beautifully. The same place and yet a totally different picture.

    It isn't just the perspective that changed though. A different person might have taken a slightly different photograph, but also time changes, the weather, the seasons, buildings...

    That's like life ~ and our stories. The core may be the same, but hopefully what we do is see it through a slightly different lens ~ focus on a different detail and bring to the forefront a time, place, or person that was neglected before.

    If you're really lucky (or good) it is so fresh they don't even recognize the setting as one they've seen before. One day I hope to accomplish that. Maybe when I grow up and become a "real" author. :o)

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