Tag: journey

Amy on writing

The Muse

amywestphalcreates

If your muse was a real person…

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In mythology, 9 Grecian sister goddesses preside over the arts and sciences. The muses… Today, the muse is any personification of inspiration.

So what is your muse like? Look like? Talk like? Could you take them out for drinks and have a good time, or does that creeper need to stay chained in the basement?

I like to think of my muse as an uncut, despicable version of myself. She is ruthless and undiplomatic. She takes what she wants. She’s a bitch, but I love her. I need her because I will back burner everything and anything to meet the needs of my loved ones. I happily forgo me. But she reminds me, gives me shit for slackin’. And if I ignore her, she fights her way to the front of line.

It’s nice of her really…

Tell me about yours in the comments, I love it.

Cheers, Amy

Sculpture by Me

 

 

 

 

Amy on writing

Daytrippen’ 2: Summer reading list

amywestphalcreates

I’ve added another book to my queue …

Visit

Overflowing Ink

braedenmichaels.wordpress.com

For more on Braeden’s amazing work.

Cheers, Amy

Image: my kindle copy for Overflowingink s The Devil’s Blacklist on iPhone

Amy on writing

Writing…with zombies

amywestphalcreates

Is your writing being taken over by Zombies?

Avoid the passive voice with this unique and super fun tip I found from a most unexpected place: Archives.gov

I use it every time I taste the unpalatable flavor of inactive language in my own writing.

https://www.archives.gov/open/plain-writing/tips/passive-voice.html

image from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Amy on writing

50 Shades of Adult

amywestphalcreates

Is your novel clearly defined?

Separating Young Adult and New Adult, is it just the absence of sex that defines them? Or something more? And where does Adult fit in?

I’d like to make a case for New Adult fiction. Not just to sex up YA or “young” down Adult. Perhaps there is a full fledged market of post education 20-30 somethings being somewhat dismissed.

There are stories that transcend time and space like Harry Potter of course 😏, and anyone can find resonance in any genre, but to have an actual section in a bookstore that speaks directly to this age group would be alright. Perhaps just as alright as any other subgenre? Fucking octogenarian paranormal crime fiction anyone?

I know, I know, the horror of more categorization, learning new things, stifling, finely wrapped boxes… I get it….

When I started my novel, I never considered the market I had in mind. I simply wanted to write a book that I would like to read.

But now that marketing is on my brain, I can’t help but wonder…

I remember reading books like Exit to Eden, The Silence of the Lambs and The Doors when I was maybe 13 years old, but would I want my tween to read them? Not yet. But did I also devour The chronicles of Narnia and Anne of Green Gables? Absolutely.

But something in between. Something if I’m not in the mood to recapture my youth or ponder the deep minutia (impending fucking realness) of seasoned adulthood. Hmm. Books for that nebulous in between. I say New Adult…Why not?

Image found on digitalsynopsis.com

Amy on writing

Unexpected Kindness

amywestphalcreates

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”—Blanche Dubois, A Streetcar Named Desire

It’s been a week since I joined the WordPress family and I just wanted to thank everyone who visited, liked, reblogged, followed and commented on

amy-westphal.com

I’m way outside my comfort zone here, putting my name on things, saying stuff that will live in the internet forever, being findable, existing, more scary internet things….

It’s a funny thing, existing….

I always prided myself on my virtual anonymity. My focus on the life in front of me, real life, not the highlight reel. But I see that the world will continue its trajectory with or with out me and I have the choice to wield its power with as much authentic, duck-face free finesse as possible, all for the sake of my art.

I had this idea that I could be pulled begrudgingly out of anonymity by the sheer force of my literary prowess. But that’s just not how it works anymore. You gotta hustle. You gotta put yourself out there before the ink dries on your query letter.

So here I am, joining in, on purpose. No pen name, no Sia Wig (hard pass from the fam) just me.

Thanks again….

Amy on writing

Authenticity

amywestphalcreates

“Stay gold Ponyboy.” — Johnny, The Outsiders

When building an online presence, or platform, how do You maintain your authentic self while riding the bloggernaut through the blogosphere?

In art school (15 years ago) I took a class on branding. (Was blogging even a thing then?) Anyway, what did I learn: You are your brand. Being your own brand before the internet made it famous was about presenting yourself in a manner that highlights your art. Easy, I thought, I have a great portfolio, education, unique personal style and excellent rapport with people in the know. I was unapologetically me. And like me or not, it worked.

But…… In today’s world. With the internet ready to hold your words and actions in infamy, how do you hold onto your authentic self without risking the empire you wish to build? I don’t know.

Until then, I suppose I’ll keep doing what I know best… Me.

…Because at the end of the day, if it doesn’t blow your skirt up, why fuckin write about it?

Cheers! Amy