There's No Place Like the Library

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm moving across the country. While I'm very excited and ready to move on, there are some things I'll miss about where I live now. One of those things is, of course, my town's library.

It's the place I always go when I need a change of scenery. I have a certain table where I regularly sit and do my work, and after a few hours, I pack up my stuff and wander through the juvenile fiction section. Sometimes, I'll grab a middle grade book and settle in a nearby chair for an hour. Other times, I'll just check out a stack of novels and read them over the course of a week.

The feel of the library is pleasant, too. There are lots of windows that bring in just the right amount of light. People are friendly (but quiet enough that they don't distract me.) It's comfortable.

These are all things I'll likely be able to experience in my next town, though I'll miss the charm and familiarity of this one at first. But the last time we moved, I was bummed about leaving that library behind. (It was a very spacious one with a winding staircase in the center of the room!) Just like last time, I'll move on and make my new library my new hangout.

The more I think about it, the more I can't wait to see what the next one is like!

So tell me, what are your libraries like? Do you have a routine that you follow when you go to the library, or do you do something different every time?

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Writer is Evolving!

If you think that's a weird post title, that's because it is.

I'm referencing the Pokemon video games, specifically the screen that shows your Pokemon evolving from one form to the next. It's a magical moment for people who play this game. The cute little animal they've cared so much for and trained so diligently has finally transformed into a more powerful and capable beast.

Writers evolve, too. But our evolution is usually less obvious and isn't accompanied by suspenseful music.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling brave enough, I'll go back and scroll through old short stories and manuscripts. It can be helpful to take a look at how far I've come. (It can also make me cringe and close the documents before I'm even done reading them.)

Here are some things that I frequently found in drafts from years ago:

- Excessive adverbs with dialogue tags. (Example: "What a fabulous idea!" she exclaimed excitedly.)
- Lots of telling instead of showing. (Example: "I was mad at him." "Her gift made me happy.")
- Forced, unnatural character introductions and physical descriptions.
- Unneeded banter that doesn't propel the story forward.
- Too many characters in a story, many of which aren't relevant to the plot.

And lots more.

By pointing out the flaws in my early writing, I'm not saying I'm a perfect writer now, or even close to it. Currently, one of my weaknesses is that I don't describe my settings as well as I should. (Thank you to my hardworking and honest CPs for helping me see this!) I'm also guilty of dipping back into my former bad habits, such as including extra characters and occasionally telling instead of showing.

But I have evolved. I'm better than I used to be. And just like the types of Pokemon that have multiple forms, I will continue to evolve.

Fellow writers, in what ways have you evolved?

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Moving On and Moving Away

The past couple of months have been very busy around here. We're working on moving across the country, and every step of that process (packing, doing home repairs, looking at houses on the opposite coast) has been time-consuming, but also kind of fun.

Anyway, that's my latest excuse for not blogging as often as I should. *wink*

But despite all the busyness, I've still been able to make progress in the writing world. I'm editing a MS based on CPs' suggestions (while also continuing to receive feedback from new CPs) and simultaneously drafting a super fun WIP. I honestly adore the projects I'm working on, and would devote even more time to them if I wasn't getting ready to move.

Even when I have no time at all to work on writing -- and yes, there are days like that when it's all about packing boxes and cleaning -- I've still got writing on my mind.

As I fill box after box with a bunch of my belongings, I think about what these objects say about me as a person. It's a good form of showing. I could write a scene of a character packing his/her own boxes and show the reader just who that person is.

When I flip through real estate listings, I think about the settings of future novels. So far, all of my manuscripts have taken place on the east coast, where I've lived my whole life. I can't wait to change the scenery!

I might be quiet here and there as I spend less time at the computer in the coming weeks, but my mind will still be wandering, pondering, and creating.

Writers, what keeps you busy besides writing? Does anyone have experience with moving a long distance? Any advice?

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