Gypsy Quill - a 21st century psychic writer

Lately It's About The Flavor

2009-09-11T23:06:00.002-04:00

I don't know if other writers do the same, but I'm guessing I'm not alone in this.

I've started another book. Just up and started another one while working on one manuscript already.

Over the years I've learned to just go along with it. I am likely to either a) switch to this new one as my main work-in-progress, or I will get some kind of spirit writing beginning or frenzied few first chapters and then bottom-drawer it until I'm done the present project.

It would appear to get confusing, but everything stays surprisingly clear. And the two works are worlds apart. This new one has a distinct Traveler flavor. The color, the passion, the gypsy vibe.

I'm simply a conduit. The words will come when they choose. It has nothing to do with me.

The Boring Bits

2009-09-09T19:33:00.003-04:00

Some days it takes real effort to get down to the writing, even though the activity is one of my favorites.

Unfortunately all writing, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, short or long pieces, has parts of it that just aren't fun to write. Like the filing that needs to be done, no matter how much you like the office you work in.

Tedious and seemingly insignificant tasks can sometimes be the most important. Imagine the state of an office without filing anything. Or books and articles without the segues and "boring" parts that connect a story or train of thought.

I forget the importance of these tasks sometimes.
That makes me want to find the joy in them again.

What Can Be Seen In Faces

2009-08-25T10:01:00.003-04:00

Old pictures tell tales. New pictures tell tales, but in a different way.

I took a long look at some old photos I have of family. One picture is of my grandmother and grandfather shortly after they married. My father looked so much like the man in the photo. The same hair line, mouth, ears, hands even, holding their cigars the same way. Almost eerie.

My grandmother has an entirely different look, considering her background isn't his, that's not surprising I suppose. I could see my own features in hers, in a long-ago haunted kind of way. I saw the shape of my eyes and the cheek angles. Small details. But they were there.

I had the inscription on the back translated. It was a gift of love from her to him, this picture. The inscription faded nearly completely. The handwriting carefully formed and obviously written in a second language, not her own.

She grew up poor. Good solid peasant stock, my mother used to say. (the ease with which I birthed babies might attest to that)

Looking into eyes of the past always makes the present seem so much more here, now.

Taking A Break is Good For The Spirit

2009-08-16T11:31:00.002-04:00

My grandmother always told me that a break was the healing of a scratched soul. I understand what she meant and have taken a rather long break in the novel. I found myself floundering for words and holes in plots and considered it worth my while to set it aside for the time being.

It may end up living or taking up space in a drawer, but either way I needed new perspective and I'm finding it quickly. I love insight.

Ink & Magic

2009-06-25T11:40:00.003-04:00

In my life, magic and writing are part of the same whole. Both find a deep relationship with me and I with them. I can't imagine my life without either of them.

My magic comes about within my writing. I suss out the problem by writing, and then fix it with the aid of magic. That may not make sense to some, but to those who use magic as a part of everyday life, like the air we breathe, will know what I mean.

Magic is building. The energy is there.

Writer and the Gypsy Inside

2009-06-23T15:22:00.002-04:00

I'm gearing up to do travel pieces. We're going to be a travelling family again. We all miss it and we've been wanting to head to the Pacific Northwest again. Mr. Quill will be making the archery rounds for competition and I'll be doing travel / paranormal pieces again. We've been planning this awhile and really enjoy the idea of being a travelling writer (as opposed to a travel writer ;) )

We all have to follow our passions and two of my greatest are writing and travelling. I will always do readings, but these are a few of my favorite things. (bursting into song, etc)

Don't get me wrong, nothing ever goes absolutely according to plan, but we've got a pretty strong mental picture of where we want to be. Manifestation is a core part of our lives...not only as practicing craft folk, but as a principle to joy in life. Catalogue shopping with the gods.

What an amazing day.

Growth of the Writing Spirit

2009-06-12T17:03:00.000-04:00

Just as any work is affected by influences upon its creator, the growth of spirituality can deeply shift a writer’s perspective. Those writers who embrace beliefs of the New Age will often notice their style change. They find their focus has narrowed while treatment of that focus expands greatly. For instance, people whose spirituality is touching or has imbedded itself in the metaphysical examinations of this Age of Aquarius see many of life’s larger issues in a different light. Birth, death, love, children....these pieces of the human condition are viewed in very different ways as older beliefs are shed either rapidly or more subtly.

The basic foundation of much of what we call the New Age is very simple in its essence. As with most conceptual philosophies of our history, the principle common to “branches” of new age thought is the principle of karma. Incorporated in the larger picture of the contemporary view of karma we find many other basic laws that teach essentially the same thing - the native expression... walk a mile in your neighbor’s moccasins; the wiccan rede...and it harm none, do what ye will; the Christian tenet...do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Today’s meaning of the word “karma” teaches a rather generalized principle of knowing that what you put out into the universe comes back to you. (Some believe times three...others times ten, etc.) But in its basic form, karma teaches the same lesson as the examples shown above. Having said that, try to imagine a writer who’s perspective has shifted to one of karmic balance. Their work could change as drastically as a member of the NRA throwing weapons away and joining ranks with a group of animal rights activists. On the subtle end, a writer may employ more debate, balance and non-judgment. They may become capable of presenting both sides of an issue or discussion much more comfortably. Of course, the true magic of balanced spirituality and a sense of peace may very well lie in the self-confidence a writer gains as a result of this new perspective. Believing him or herself to be one with the universe, of being a part of a much greater Force can imbibe the work with a different kind of “magic”. A flow; a course following an independent line in reasoning. A continuity that might otherwise be inhibited by rhetoric and more rigid dogma. Learning to view the world in terms of reciprocal energy flow opens the writer to a whole universe of new thought processes, new behaviors and new perspectives. The writer in this New Age has at their fingertips, an entirely new overview from which to draw material.

Fodder for the spiritual writer’s cannon.

(reprint from 2000)

When Throwing Words to the Wind...

2009-05-31T18:28:00.004-04:00

When choosing to toss some of those well-honed words to the wind, keep in mind a few basic details.

- those words, written with that particular emotion, can never be written that way again, regardless of copy and paste. It's the emotion behind the creation of the thoughts that makes writing powerful....I am convinced of this.

- even if you can't use these thoughts now, why not fill a file of bits and pieces, much like that drawer in the kitchen/garage/your desk, where things end up; things you're going to use at some point, things you just can't bring yourself to toss, regardless of what the family thinks.

- tell yourself that the idea of putting together a book of these random pearls is worth the file space alone. Who wouldn't want to read that?!

- and finally, before you toss those thoughts, make sure your heart is in it. Never toss in anger. Lovely things are lost that way.

I tend to think twice before I hit the delete. More than a few times I've made snap choices and couldn't call up the same feel.

I'm more careful now.

The Love of Writing

2009-05-29T14:45:00.006-04:00

Writing isn't something I have to do, as some writers claim. Writing is something I love to do. It's something that makes me feel good and creative and when I'm finished a piece of writing, no matter how big or small, it's a wonderful feeling. When I finished my first book, it felt like heaven. When the publisher called to say they were sending my advance check, it felt surreal. When I finally held the book finished and with cover, I felt outside myself and have continued to feel that way with each manuscript and work.

Like any other creative pursuit, writing can be as much a part of us as our genetics. We reach for it, we embrace it and we create.At times, the "have to" comes to the front. Like a bad and clinging earworm, something can get stuck in our brains and it just has to be written down to be got rid of. Ultimately I think writers write because they love to write, but I can't speak for other writers. You can usually tell the difference between those who love it and those who use it as a starving-writer kind of self-illustration of a drive.

I know that if I was in a circumstance where I had no writing impliments, I might find myself pulling a de Sade and write with wine on a sheet. I've never pushed it to that point and don't know if my head would explode or not. Madness might be each writer's fate should we fail to get it down, but I think it's more about love.

I'm grateful for all the words I get to play with whenever I want, like well-loved children's toys, worn smooth with use. They are mine to sort, manipulate, attend to and love.

Wordsmithing, to me, is a life-saving, soul-saving love.

The Magic Seeps In

2009-05-27T18:29:00.003-04:00

More and more I find myself drawn to writing things of a magical/paranormal/haunting/gypsy quality. Because of my upbringing and heritage, most of what I do is peppered with that anyway. But lately my writing seems to be taking on a mystical quality of its own. I'm going to go with the flow and set aside my novel ms for the moment.

If my psychic self wants to be let out now, who am I to argue? We'll see what comes of it.

Snatching The Write Moments

2009-05-07T09:20:00.006-04:00

Some days around here it feels like the work has to compete for my time with the kids, the house, this move coming up. Thank god the worries are few anymore. Not that there wouldn't be things to worry about if I was in that frame of mind anymore, but since realizing that worry and fear don't do anyone or anything any good, my stress level has definitely reduced.

Days like today, where I get up early and get in a thousand words before anyone gets up, are really nice. I will be leaving in a bit to go with my eldest to an appointment. Means reconnecting with the work later, when I'm back home. But then again, the Work is always there. I always have main and secondary projects going, so my mood and my time allowance can dictate whether I want to submerge myself in my latest fiction work, or a short story or some non-fiction articles for the sites. It's nice to have a choice.

I think I'd go a little crazy if I didn't have choices in the Work.

Today I'll likely work on the current novel. I'd like to get it in the final editing stages by mid summer. Although that is open to interpretation. Some days I get a few thousand words down and others it might be much more.

I love the "much more" days. Those are the days that make a writer FEEL like a writer. And I don't know about other writers, but to me, feeling like a writer makes me feel complete. It adds the top hat to the hats I already wear.

Characters Who Talk Back

2009-05-03T13:24:00.002-04:00

I generally listen to my characters. I figure, once I give them life, they're going to show me what direction to go in.

However, what happens when one of them decides that nothing you want to do with them is what they want? Like some demon doll that won't do what you want it to do. Deranged Ken or Batshit Barbie.

It's a bit disconcerting when they do this and it's only happened to me twice. Each time I let them go their own direction and it usually ends well. This time, I'm not so sure. I just can't see this particular char. doing what it seems to be headed for. Like a glove instead of a mitten.

I guess ultimately we'll see.

Changing Horses in Midstream

2009-05-02T10:23:00.006-04:00

I don't know if other writers suffer from this ailment. The midstream change (rather like the midlife change) leaves me feeling frustrated and hotflashy. I don't want to change the "plan". You know....once the plotholes are fixed and the whole thing is going rather smoothly, you find yourself on the edge of the Precipice of IHaveABetterIdea

At least, I do.

Maybe you do, too.

I'll be honest, it would be nice to have some company as I try to maneuver that edge without falling. I don't want to fall. But the Rerouting Rapids below keep beckoning.

Ok, done with the outdoorsy crap.

I liked the story the way I'd blocked it out. But then again, I'm a huge believer in going with the flow. Each and every time I go with the flow, it always turns out just fine and often better than expected. And I'm not just saying that. When I think back over the many times I've lost a chunk of writing or a file, dropped coffee on a piece of writing on my desk only to find I like it better in re-write. It happens often to me. Even so far as a comment on a blog that glitches out. The comment usually seems unnecessary or not worded right in the afterthought.

I believe the Universe saves us from ourselves, regularly. These are all cases where I'd have gone with the first one had it not been ruined, stained, glitched, dogpawed or cat-yacked (yes I went there) on; or some other subtle way to tell me it was crap. I'm a firm believer in paying attention to those little signs.

Yet, here I sit, in all seriousness, realizing that the last 15,000 or so words might be set aside for that HorseInMidstream detour I might be taking.

o O (going with the flow....going with the flow..... )

Hard to focus today

2009-04-30T15:17:00.001-04:00

It's not that I'm blocked and it's certainly not that I don't have the time and quiet, but I just don't seem to be able to keep my mind on my writing today. It's rather disconcerting. I want to write, I need to write and for some reason I'm finding every other thing to do.

It is a day for ...oh look...a shiny thing....

Which Publishing Arena to Choose

2009-04-29T20:21:00.003-04:00

There is a lot to be said for the e-publishing platform. I saw a video about it the other day done by one of the more respected print publishers and she was talking about the fact that with epublishing, because there is no necessity for a first run contract quantity, the earnings for an author can be higher. Epublishing has come a long way.

The idea of one on the best sellers list sounds fun, too though. Epublishing is what our future. Print may continue, but I think we'll find all the works done in both formats.

I'm beginning to wonder about going the epublishing route for the novel I'm working on.

Writing In The Moment

2009-04-27T12:06:00.004-04:00

Writing is an activity that really can't be 'multitasked' or planned ahead. Yes, we can plan a plot or game plan or outline, but the actual writing has to be done in the moment.

If a writer's focus isn't in the moment of the story telling, then it's likely the story will come off sounding like some drug-induced zombie crap. Conversation especially, falls into this category. If we allow our focus to wander away from our Writing Moment, we're going to end up with flat prose, rote details and characters without personality.

I think this is why lots of writers have to have a fair bit of quiet for their craft. For me it depends on what I'm writing. Fiction takes more Writing Moment focus that non-fiction.

This current ms is getting to the point where I have to really focus. I need to see it from the reader's perspective to absolutely see that what I'm doing is working. I find that reading it out loud will point out the 'flat' parts.

Writing a book or Telling a story - is there a difference?

2009-04-25T10:04:00.003-04:00

It occurred to me the other day that some work I do, I'm writing a book, so to speak. Word counts, page counts; letting them matter. Letting them push the drive button. Other times, I'm telling a story.

This isn't just about fiction or non-fiction. I can tell a story in an eight hundred word article, just as solidly as I can in fiction.

No, this is about approach, attitude, bliss.

I have to make it about my bliss, unless it's a topic I really can't stand. But for the most part, I have to make it about my passion, my bliss, my joy. Nothing else can drive my life.

When we push at the almighty dollar, or fame, or something else that isn't driven by joy, it gives us headaches, makes us sick, pushes addictions, sleep problems, you name it, stress and negativity can cause it.

Joe Vs. The Volcano is a fine example of exactly what I'm talking about. I watched it again the other day. Hadn't seen it for a number of years.

Good flick.

A Day In The Life Of Author Meg Cabot

2009-04-23T13:59:00.000-04:00

This is a fun video if you're interested in just how some writers spend their day.
http://www.inkygirl.com/meg-cabots-daily-schedule-while-writing-a-book/

Defining Characters

2009-04-20T21:09:00.003-04:00

I've come to some wonderful realizations the past few years with my fiction. Non-fiction has always been easier for me and I have gained a whole new perspective on how a writer can identify and allow the reader to really know a character.

A few tips

- give a character a quirk. A crooked smile, a twirl of the hair, furtive glance, etc. Something that stands out.

- name them according to the era they're born. Don't name a girl in ancient Rome, Crystal or Tiffany. Doesn't work.

- make sure you don't blend characters and end up with a cast of monochromes.

I love writing. I tell myself that at my blankest moments. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't, but at least I know when I speak it, it's the truth.

I love writing.

Fiction Progress and Flow

2009-04-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

Making great headway on the new novel, with about 3000 words a day becoming the norm. I love the plot, the characters are shouting at me for their voice and the atmosphere (set in Oregon, one of my favorite places) beckons.

I'm holding no expectations. It could be a quick one or I could be at this a while. I know one thing for sure...the story is pouring out. It's been a while since fiction came so comfortably to me. I've been supplementing with non-fiction articles for content.

Fiction is so much a different process. It takes hold of the writer and guides her to a place she's never been, a life she's never lived and people she can only imagine.

Fiction, for some of us, is the equivalent of an escape. A vacation, if you will.

Writing and the Seasons

2009-04-16T21:55:00.000-04:00

Every time the seasons noticeably change, I get a real burst of creativity. I think it has to do with a different atmosphere, a different view out the windows and a different point of view.

Some writers prefer to have no outside windows in their work area. No distractions. I have to be able to see out the windows, to take my attention off the screen. I think better when my visual focus is on something else. It's as though the more I stare at the screen working out my next bit, the words get stuck. But if I take a moment and look out the windows or go for a short stroll on the veranda, the floodgates open and I can pull it together again. These kinds of breaks are good for a few thousand more words once I get back to it.

That and a really good mug of coffee.

The Habits of Writing - Editing

2009-04-14T23:21:00.000-04:00

I don't know many other writers in person. Most are Internet friends and acquaintances. Those I know in 3D life have different habits. One novelist I know writes the whole first draft of his books, front to back in a linear way and then does first editing, second editing, and so forth.

Another I know writes her chapters all out of order depending on the mood she's in. (I find I can do this with non-fiction and have a lot of fun) She edits as she goes.

Me, I edit the last session's work when I sit down to the current one. I find this not only gets little little corrections done, but also refreshes my mood and rhythm.

All writers seem to have their own routines. Some very good reading about other writers' habits you'll find right here.

The Power of Silent Words

2009-04-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

Spring is the time of year thought to be about birth pregnancy and birth. It is a time for us to embrace the new shades of green, to breath in the crisp air of a new season. It‘s a wonderful time to do work for important focuses like health and spiritual birth.

One of the most beautiful and quiet blessings I’ve ever seen was the Open Arms of Spring that my grandmother used to do. She always started with a cup of tea. She used her grandmother’s tea cup, it’s delicate saucer held lightly in her left hand and with her right hand she would raise the steaming cup of tea to the sun as it streamed in our east-facing windows. She did this with the sunrise, always drinking the tea while she watched the sun light the land. I remember her muttering a verse of some sort, but she never answered me when I asked what it was. All she would tell me was that the power of words, our own words, were ten times that of a cheap written spell. She taught me to understand that it had more to do with the emotion and feel of the rite, than any words spoken or written.

These mornings, I brew my tea and raise my cup to the warm rays of the spring sun. It feels like a salutation to the strength of a new season. The words I will not impart. You will write your own and with them, extend your unique power to all that you do.