JESSICA COOK: AUTHOR
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Writing Blog

Are you also an aspiring author? Let's learn the writing world together!

Find Your Writing Buddy

2/29/2016

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Workshops are great when you are wanting an overall idea of how your readers interpret your stories. But what do you do when you want deeper insight into a piece? Hiring an editor is definitely an option, and is probably something that you should do anyways if you are going to self-publish. But finding a writing buddy who will give you that initial feedback is so valuable. Especially if it becomes a relationship that lasts long term and sees projects through to the end.

I have several writing friends that I go to depending on the type of piece that I am working on. From years of knowing one another and writing together, I have learned that their criticisms and tips are things that have fostered my writing along to a publishable state. Writing friends should be people that you trust, but who are not afraid to tell you when something doesn't feel right in your story. If you want encouragement instead of critique, then grandparents and relatives are a great resource.

My writing friends and I usually like to meet one-on-one with each other over coffee or tea and talk out impressions of my story and things that can make it better. We start with the big picture stuff, which is making sure that the plot and characters make sense and resonate with the reader. Later on, when I'm getting closer to sending it out into the world, it's nice to have them check for errors or awkward sentences. Writing friends are great for the brainstorming stages too or when that writer's block hits. I've spent countless hours at coffee shops with my notebook out scribbling away as my friends give me ideas and I bounce mine off of them. My first novel was actually planned in this way during a fantastic three hour brainstorming stint at one of my favorite burger places.

One thing to keep a healthy writing relationship going is to realize that it is not one sided. You can send your friends your stories as much as you want, but eventually they are going to get tired of always giving you feedback when they never get any in return. Offer to return the favor and then, here's the kicker, actually do it! Read their work closely and give detailed feedback, the kind that you want them to give you.

Finding that writing buddy can be easier for some folks than others. I was lucky in that I connected with a lot of people in my college English program and we have stayed in contact over the years. I know that others find their writing friends through Facebook groups or community writing clubs. You have the Internet at your fingertips, don't be afraid to reach out and see if you can find some people to exchange ideas and stories with. Most likely, they will be happy that you asked.
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The Merits of a Writer's Notebook

2/9/2016

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When I was at writing camp in junior high (cause that's the kind of cool kid that I was) one of the instructors told us to never throw away a piece of our writing. As my mom can attest, I took her advice very seriously. While this has resulted in piles and boxes of notebooks and scraps of paper, I can honestly say that my instructor's advice was dead on. The more I write, the more ideas I need, and the more I resort to looking through my old stuff. But thanks to my freshman college creative writing professor, I now have a more organized way of doing that.

It's a writer's notebook!!! And here is why you should have one:
  • When you're bored, you have a place to free write. Whether it's at the bus stop or eating lunch, it's always a good idea to have pen and paper on hand. I used to jot my random ideas down on my phone which may work for some people, but for me it was too much trouble. I keep a notebook in my backpack, my purse, and in any suitcase when I go on any kind of trip (weekend or week long).
  • People say the craziest things. In that same freshman creative writing class, we were told to become small talk spies and to report back to class with whatever things we picked up over the week. Some of the stories people came back with was writing gold!  Listen in on the conversations around you, eavesdrop! It's ok, you're writer, and somehow that makes you exempt, right? (Plus let's face it, everyone wants an excuse to eavesdrop on other people.) I was able to write a whole story inspired by a conversation had by the people the row ahead of me at a concert. Since I had my handy dandy writer's notebook, I was able to jot it all down pretty truthfully and draw from that while I crafted my fictional story.
  • It's 3 AM and you want to get back to bed. I can't tell you the number of times I have woken up in the middle of the night with a great story idea. There is no way it can wait until morning. Not because I'll forget it, but because my mind is so set on me not forgetting that I can't go back asleep. I have a writer's notebook on my nightstand though and after a few minutes of writing down my idea, I can sleep for the rest of the three to four precious hours I have left in the night.
  • Newspaper clippings! I love reading newspapers and magazines and whenever I see an article that prompts my creative writer's mind, I cut it out and save it in my notebook. It's fun to go back and read all of the things that I found interesting.
  • Sometimes the Muses are merciful. I've had a few times where I've been walking to or from class and the beauty of the natural world around me has prompted an outpouring of poetic proportions. I've been known to find a bench or pop a squat on a tree root scribbling furiously in my notebook before the inspiration vanishes. Even if you're not into poetry, a cool character name or an especially clever line will hit you and you'll need to have someplace where you can write it down fast.
So there you go. I hope I've convinced you. No matter what genre or type of writing you're interested in, a writer's notebook is a most vital tool for anyone to have in their toolbox.

Here is one of my many writer's notebooks. It's a little beat up, as you can see, but I like that it reflects its usage.
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Inspirational Writing Music

2/5/2016

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I don't know about you, but I love writing to music. It helps prompt my ideas and get me into scene. I have to be careful about what I'm listening to because my writing is bound to take on some of those elements. I never listen to songs with lyrics (I'll just start writing out the song) but maybe you're better at concentrating than me. Of course, nothing beats silence when you really need to focus, but sometimes music can do wonders. If you're stuck or just want some fresh tunes, here's list of songs that I like to listen to when I write.

For those who like to get in the zone:
  • One hour of epic music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU7SGn0MeP0
  • Two hours of emotional music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXMb7zLblM
  • Two hours of epic music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeXoACwOT1o
  • One hour of epic Celtic music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORtsnpCSEJ0

My recommended artists and a link to one of their songs:

Calm Music
  • 2Cellos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk0pSJRRyMk
  • Brian Crain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uXD9fsDkKc&list=PL0BC3B0E10C943954
  • Enya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erR0HqD__dc
  • Doug Hammer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_li_hMbk0sE
  • WilliamJoseph:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47t5YgyK28&list=PL9DC3D04BA4327CD2
  • Helen Jane Long: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmS_MxfJiCw
  • George Winston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKmqyQUDehs
  • Thomas Newman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIjWaulrLjs
  • Yiruma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsTjI75uEUQ
  • Rachel Currea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jIh83eqhAQ
  • Brett Juilly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUYHEc_c_Sc
  • Michael Allen Harrison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s43Leo7SZS4
Exciting Music
  • Escala: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn_wlkzW1ds
  • Zack Hemsey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCGlIjLT8OQ
  • The Hit House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXqMrftUXs0
  • Adiemus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX__4aHwYzM
  • Lucia Micarelli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVKApskrIhg
  • Lindsey Stirling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb2QoaBy8ao
  • Jennifer Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEw629Bp7vU
  • Hans Zimmer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgUhz2F0Mg
  • Hol Baumann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPVzPVnsIAw
  • RJD2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phnIXtJBI5E
  • Blackmill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFLItoOlY54
  • Chance's End: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESKJVOY9PdM
  • Ronald Jenkees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeIAXlwVlZc
  • Gramatik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xYQHoGC9es

Do you have any favorite artists or songs that you listen to when you write? Leave a comment below!
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Surviving The Dry Spell

2/5/2016

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PicturePhoto copyright Jessica Cook
 So it's that time in the semester. The long haul after the holidays. My inability to do anything productive has only been compounded by the fact that I'm graduating in May. I'm not usually a procrastinator but boy, this semester has been rough. And it's not even close to done yet!

I think the thing that's taken the biggest hit is my own writing. Maybe others have had phases like this in their writing lives, but I feel as if something has sucked out my creativity and left me with the dregs of ideas and no way to bring them to life. This is more than just writer's block, this is a dry spell. What happened to the days of old when the words came easily? I have no idea if this is the right approach, but with this particular phase of stress and lack of motivation in my life, I've had to come up with some ways to keep my writing alive even when I'm not writing.

First of all, I had to stop beating myself up about not being able to write like I usually could. Don't get me wrong, writing is hard work and there are days where you really have to power through and concentrate on what you're saying. But I never want my writing to come out of stress or frustration. Maybe it's just me, but my writing has always been a refuge for my busy mind and I'd like to keep it that way. So instead of forcing myself to write and making myself miserable when it doesn't work out, I've learned to be okay with just writing down my ideas as they come and fleshing them out later.

I've also had to get past feeling ashamed about moving onto a different writing project when my inspiration is lacking. Now, I have two to three different stories going on at a time. Whenever I burn out on one I can usually pick up with the next project until I can cycle back around to what I was previous working on. Leaving a story and coming back to it later is not abandoning it. I see it as allowing myself the time I need to give it my all later on when the ideas are flowing again.

Another thing that I've been doing when my creativity feels spent is to read. I get so caught up in my own writing that sometimes that I forget what made me want to become a writer in the first place: great books! Whether it's reading poetry, short stories, or full-fledged novels, I've been able to further my writing skills even when I can't seem to put down anything on paper. It's been like an oasis in the desert and I have realized that I should have never gone as long as I have without coming back to the wonderful authors and books that I love to replenish my writer's mind. Just the other day I was able to talk with my dad about my favorite book, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. (If you haven't already, you Must. Read. This. Book.) It was fun to talk about all of the masterful things Dickens does with his plot and characters and it really re-energized my own passion for writing. And if you need something to refill your creativity tank, Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" will do it. His attention to detail will inspire you like nothing else.

What do you do when you're going through a dry spell in your writing? How do you keep the creative spark alive? Which books refresh your writer's mind? Feel free to comment below!



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    Author

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm on a mission to make my writing better in hopes of becoming a published novelist. It's been a crazy journey so far as I learn the twists and turns of the publishing world, but it's been worth it. Though I'm still learning how to be the best writer I can be, I'm excited to share what I learn with you. Happy writing!

    Photos on blog copyright of Jessica Cook

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  • Home
  • About
  • Published Works
    • The Mule Of Mud Hollow - Novel
    • When The Tide Comes In - Short fiction
    • A Walk Around Inis Mor - Travel memoir
    • 8 Superpowers of Highly Sensitive People - Nonfiction
    • Grandma tells a story - Poem
    • 5 Reasons Why HSPs Are Pros At Traveling - Nonfiction
  • Writing blog
  • Contact
  • Goodreads
    • Where the Crawdads Sing
    • Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail
    • Irena's Children
    • Luther and Katharina
    • Thunderstruck