Welcome to Krahe's Nest

Leap, and the net will appear.

Have you ever seen a piece of artwork or read a poem or a book that was done so beautifully that it seems simple and effortless? And then you think to yourself, I can do that. I thought that about writing. I have a degree in English so I have all the rules of grammar covered. And I read. I read alot!

I’ve read books where the prose just rolled off the tongue. And the story was woven so intricately that you can’t even tell you’re hooked until you try to put the story down or until it comes to a close and you find yourself saddened by it because you have become such a part of the character’s lives that you don’t want to see them go.

I woke up one morning to find a complete novel banging around in my head dying to get out. It never required any thought at all. I saw it play out before my inner eye as though it were on the big screen at the theater. I knew the theme, the plot, the characters, the twists and turns and the ending as well as I knew my own name. So I think hey why couldn’t I be the next J.K. Rowling or Cornelia Funke?

Why? That seems to be the biggest question of my life now. Being someone who thrives on researching “How To” books, of which my personal library is full. I began the task of learning what it takes to write a book. I must’ve spent a cool grand on them. Well they all basically had the same information in them. How to write a character sketch and a plot outline and how to strategically keep your reader turning the pages. So I spent the better part of this year filling up notebooks and computer files with all the information I already had in my brain. I researched the things I wasn’t sure how to make work and I starting pounding away at the keyboard. I got about five chapters into it before I printed it out and read it back to myself and while the story is there, it is just not flowing the way I want it too. It seems awkward and lurches along like an old car with a clogged carburetor. So I knew I had to go back to the drawing board. The problem with that is now my confidence is waning and I’m not sure how to proceed.

Then I was sent this tiny clip of an artist performing her craft, and it inspired me so that I wanted to share it with you. What this artist does is exactly what I want to feel when I am spinning my little yarn. I want it to appear effortless and awe inspiring and just plain beautiful. I want to reach my readers in such a way that my story becomes a thread woven into the fabric of their lives. In order to accomplish this daunting task, I am going to shelve my chapters for a time, and get into the zen of writing. By this I mean,  I will be making it my religion for an undetermined period of time and writing freeflow exercises for ten minutes everyday with a really fast pen and some cheap paper. Somewhere in the midst of the non-thinking out pouring of words that will ensue from these exercises, I should be able to un-block my chi and begin my novel fresh and with more confidence. 

I want to thank all of you who have supported me through this entire endeavor. I know I’ve been a little crazy at times and have probably driven you all a bit crazy. I think I’m moving in the right direction now.

Now for those of you that would like to see what I’m talking about please click the link at the bottom of this page. (I hope it works) it should just open up in your media palyer, if not just copy and paste it into your browser. And Enjoy!

http://www.sandfantasy.com/videoclips/just_imagine_long.wmv

P.S. Thank you Rochelle for sending this to me you’ll never know how deeply I felt its message.

 

The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learedskill for others. One thing is certain –

it requires practice and a particular mindset. But, if you’re a beginner, where do you start?

The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether you’re a complete novice,

or perhaps a pro who has lost their way!

 

1. Step Away

Slightly detach yourself from your surroundings. Stop participating and begin observing.

In social situations, watch people, see how they act and – more importantly - interact.

Don’t pass judgment. Take it all in – and draw on it later when you write.

 

2. Look Harder

Stop and look around you. Consciously notice the buildings, what’s underfoot, overhead, and

what’s right in front of you.

At home, look at something you take for granted. An iron, for instance. Find yours and study it.

 

3. Write Thinking Will Be Rewarded

A simple technique. Your mother is making tea and you are chatting to her. Take a mental step

back and describe the scene. Similarly, when you’re outside, describe your environment as though

you were writing it down.

 

4. What Reasons Do You Need?

Don’t wait for inspiration – just write!

Force yourself to write anything at all. A shopping list. An overheard conversation. Describe your bedroom.

It doesn’t matter how personal it is, or how trivial, just get it down!

 

5. The Early Bird

Set your alarm clock for an hour earlier than normal.

When the alarm goes off, get up. Don’t dress, bathe or eat. Don’t even make coffee. Just stagger to

your writing space and write the first thing that comes into your head for five minutes.

 

6. Oh God – Not That!

Think of the most awful and embarrassing thing you’ve ever done - the more cringe-worthy the

better. Now write about it. All of it, in all its gory, horrible detail.

Then hide it away for a year or so before you read it again!

 

7. Like Your Style

Don’t limit yourself. Write poems, songs, dialogue, fact, fiction, even practice writing advertising copy or horoscopes.

Your expertise improves in all areas – an improvement in one area can reap benefits in another.

 

8. The Sincerest Flattery

Take out a classic book from your bookcase. Copy out a paragraph. Think about the words as you write them. Don’t get intimidated!

 

9. Wanna See My Invention?

When you’re not writing, string together stories in your mind. Think of plots, characters, settings, dénouements.

Ask yourself what you should do next to improve your writing.

Develop this technique into a habit.

 

10. It’s A Goal!

When you start writing regularly, set yourself small goals. Anything from 200 words a day, or just a commitment to writing in your diary.

Later extend to finishing a short story, or an article or a poem. Perhaps one in a week.

The trick is to set goals you can achieve easily.