Summarize your current WIP in a single sentence.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: Story Summary in a Sentence
Category: All Posts
Camp NaNoWriMo – Week One Update
Hello Writer Bees!
Hope all your creative endeavors are going well. This month, I’ll be participating in Camp NaNoWriMo and focusing on editing my mystery WIP. Here’s how my first week at Camp NaNoWriMo went.
Feels like a strong start. Editing has been going well and I’ve cut many unnecessary sentences out. Something I love about mystery stories is that, when you read it a second time, you find these little details that end up being important clues as the sleuth narrows down suspects. Like the author was leaving these tiny breadcrumbs this whole time. Finding the balance being obscure and obvious hints can be tricky, but It’s fun to leave those subtle hints for readers to discover. In my opinion, a great mystery should be a puzzle for the detective and the audience to unravel.
Maybe it’s TMI, but let’s say Aunt Flo visited on April 1st. The humor of the universe is not lost on me. However, I put that hormonal rage into working on the – hopefully dramatic- conclusion, when the culprit is caught and confesses to murder. Who ever thought writing a villain monologue could be exciting and help with cramps.
Also, one of my other goals was to brainstorm for May Of Mystery. For those new to the blog, every year I dedicate the entire month of May to detective fiction. I have one or two ideas for mystery themed posts already. If you guys have any ideas for mystery related posts, or have a question about detective fiction, let me know in the comments. As always, I love to hear from you guys.
Sorry for the short update. Honestly, I want to get back to editing. This is my first time editing a work of fiction this size. I’ve been tweaking and polishing this WIP for so long, and now, I’m finally starting to see it shine.
Are you participating in Camp NaNoWriMo? What are you currently working on? Talk to me in the comments!
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: A Free Freewriting Space
Now is your chance to freewrite. Write whatever you want.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
The Bookworm’s Tag
Hello Writer Bees,
I’m taking a day off today to unwind, catch up on some editing and do a fun tag. Shout out to Gilmo of Flaming Chickens for tagging me in the Bookworm’s tag. Next week will be my first update for Camp NaNoWriMo. Stay tuned for that!
Rules
- Thank and link to the blogger who nominated you. Thanks again, Flaming Chickens!
- Include the tag graphic in your post (Look up!)
- Answer the ten questions the blogger asked (Done!)
- Nominate between five and ten bloggers
- Ask your nominees ten book-related questions! (Look down! At the bottom!)
- Don’t feel bound to these rules
- (Most importantly) Have fun!
Questions
What is one character that you understand and empathize with more than others?
What a great question! Also, a tough one. If I have to choose, I’d say Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Her curiosity, her imagination and her adventurous spirit are traits I relate to and emphasize with. And I mean, I am called Lady Jabberwocky, it’s only fitting I’d pick a Wonderland character.
Do you like endings that are left up to you or given to you?
Both. It’s nice when plot lines are tied up in a neat bow and a story ends with a perfect chef’s kiss. On the other hand, I don’t mind endings that are up for interpterion or open to debate. As long as it’s not loose, unsatisfying ending that leaves the reader confused at the end. Those are the worst. Open ended or not, the plot itself should feel complete and finished at the end.
Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of The Rings?
Sorry LoTR fans, I’m choosing Narnia on this one. Can’t resist a wise, talking lion guardian. The world of Narnia is just so fantastical and gorgeous. I love the magical elements; I love the creatures. It’s very fairytalelike. Also, the relationship between the siblings is an interesting dynamic.
What genre is your favorite to write? What is your favorite to read?
I love reading and writing mysteries and detective fiction. I love reading and writing stories of fantasy and magic. Between those two genres, I couldn’t pick a favorite. Shady suspects and sleuths searching for clues are engaging and exciting. Whimsy and magic and supernatural elements are also engaging and exciting. Both genres appeal to me in different ways.
Music when you read/write or no?
I don’t listen to music when I read. For me, it can be a bit distracting. However, when I’m writing, I do listen to music. Sometimes, it’s a soundtrack to a Broadway musical or Disney film. Other times, it’s something light and acoustic, like a Jack Johnson’s Banana Pancakes, a personal favorite.
Pencil and paper or computer?
Normally, I write my WIP on the computer. Hats off to any writer who writes with pen and paper first. When I’m taking notes, or need to jot down a quick sentence, I’ll write on post-it notes. Which means my desk is covered in little sticky notes or random scraps of paper. I’m sure there is a coherent plot/thought in that pile somewhere.
What is your greatest struggle when writing?
So many struggles as I writer. Let me count the ways. Writer’s block. Self-doubt. Writing setting descriptions. Striving for perfection. All of the above, really. Right now, editing has been my biggest challenge. Feel like I’m in a perpetual state of tweaking the story. Polishing characters until they shine. A never-ending editing tunnel.
What is a book you like to re-read over and over (If there is one)?
Actually, once I read a book, I don’t usually read it again. Now that I think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever reread a book. Guess I’m more of a one-and-done kind of person. For the most part, I’m the same way about rewatching movies or T.V. shows too.
Do you prefer reading at home, in the library, or outside?
Well, since we’re still in a global pandemic, I’d say I prefer reading at home. Although, let’s be honest, I wasn’t leaving the house much before COVID anyway. No, I like to read at home, in bed, under a bunch of blankets. Fuzzy socks included. All cozy and comfortable at home, that’s my preferred reading spot.
And finally! Would you like to be nominated for a book tag again if I ever join one?
Yes. Definitely. Absolutely.
My Questions
- If you could travel to any fiction world, where would you go?
- What is your preferred genre to write in?
- Who is your OTP? Your favorite fictional couple/ship?
- How many books are you currently reading?
- If you could only recommend one book for someone to read, which book would it be?
- Have you ever read a graphic novel before?
- What is your greatest struggle when writing?
- If you could meet any fictional character in real life, who would it be and why?
- Who is your favorite author(s)?
- What is your go-to writing snack?
I’m tagging Jai Lyn, Poetisatinta, and Mythos to do this tag. And anyone else who wants to give it a try. Have fun Writer bees!
Stay safe and stay creative!
— Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: An Elephant’s Faithful. 100 Percent.
Write a story or poem based on the word ‘Elephant’.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
15 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block (Repost for Camp NaNoWriMo)
Hello Writer bees!
(With Camp NaNoWriMo starting next week, some may struggle with writer’s block during this writing challenge. Don’t fret! To help with that, I’m reposting these awesome tips for beating the block. Good luck to everyone participating! – Victoria aka Lady Jabberwocky)
Hope you are are staying safe and writing wonderful work. And if you are feeling stuck with your writing, that’s alright too. Sometimes, it can be hard to get the words on the page. Don’t be discouraged. Writer’s block happens to everyone, myself included.
So today, I’m sharing some tips for beating the block and rekindling inspiration once again.
Be honest and ask yourself, “how do I break out of this funk I’m in?” and “What’s stopping me from writing?” Depending on what you need, there are three courses of action to take. Whatever route you choose, find what works for you.
Push to Writing – the need to shake up you writing habits.
- Write in some place other from your usual spot. No need to chain yourself to your desk. Write in a different room of your home. Or outside. A new, quiet place.
- Freewriting: Write the first things that comes to mind, whatever it may be. Follow where the words take you. On a time crunch? Take a 5 minute writing sprint and write as fast as you can.
- Set deadlines and stick to them. Reach for a daily wordcount goal that’s achievable and works with your schedule. Even if it’s only a 100 words a day. You’ll be 100 words closer to your finished draft.
- Try writing exercises and prompts. They can be a fun, well-needed challenge for some writers and can get the brain working. But where can you find prompts? I post a Prompt of the Week every Monday. Check them out!
- Use a different writing tool. Instead of a keyboard, switch to paper or sticky notes or colorful markers.
Recharge – The need to step back from your writing endeavors.
- Take a break! A real one. Relax. And don’t think about your story. A little separation from your WIP is fine. Sometimes, lightbulb moments happen when you least expect. I speak from experience.
- Go for a walk. Alone, with music, or with a dog. Walks are great. Socially distanced walks while wearing masks is even better.
- Get cozy and curl up with a good book. Fuzzy socks included. Let your mind unwind and dive into a whole new world.
- Drink some coffee/tea/alcoholic beverage of choice. And stuff your face with your favorite food. Writing is hard work. Treat yourself to that tub of ice cream or bag of potato chips. I won’t judge.
- Sleep it off, or just lounge around. Rest, physically and mentally. There are times when the best ideas can come right before you fall asleep. Keep a notepad on your nightstand ready, in case you need to jot down ideas.
Getting motivated and inspired! – the need to get pumped to write again and find inspiration.
- Browse through photos; especially images that relate to your story’s genre. Create an aesthetic board featuring images that remind you of your story. If you are writing historical fiction, keep a folder of snapshots from that time period.
- Talk it out. Talking to another person, writer or non-writer, about your ideas can get those creative juices flowing. Find someone you feel safe with and who encourages you. Don’t waste your time with people who judge you harshly.
- Read some quotes from some famous authors. Gather inspiration from the authors who came before you.
- Connect with other writers. The writing community is a fantastic group of creatives. Make friends, chat about WIPs, support each other through those tough times. It’s nice to have someone in your corner, to have that support system.
- Be okay with writing trash. Not everything you write will be perfect. And that’s fine, that’s what editing is for. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for the story that future readers can connect with. That’s the real goal, isn’t it?
How do you get through writer’s block? What’s your advice to a writer who is struggling? Let me know if the comments.
Stay safe and keep writing!
— Lady Jabberwocky.
Prompt of the Week: The Extra Extraterrestrial
Write a story or poem in the perspective of an alien.
Wow! So many of you replied to last week’s prompt! To name a few….
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
Off to Camp: Editing Mystery WIP in Camp NaNoWriMo
Hello Writer Bees!
The last few months have been stressful for me. Between office work overload, family stuff and trying to juggle everything, I felt completely burnt out. Think I was letting my feelings and stress build up to an overwhelming size. I needed to take a pause. Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went away for the weekend, for a well needed, long overdue, mental health break. Just to get away from all that stress weighing on my chest. We had a wonderful time despite the cold upstate New York weather. Now I feel way more relaxed, refreshed, and ready to embark on a new adventure: Camp NaNoWriMo.
Over the years, I’ve participated in National Novel Writing Month but never Camp NaNoWriMo. This should be interesting. Every week, I’ll share an update on my progress. Stay tuned for that.
Here are some of my writing goals for Camp NaNoWriMo.
Mostly Editing
For those new to my blog, my current WIP is a murder mystery set in 1920’s Coney Island. After rewriting and retweaking for forever, it’s looking like a real final draft. Honestly speaking, this is my first time editing a large work of fiction. Editing is almost more difficult than writing, especially when it’s your own work. Maybe it’s the perfectionist in me, that’s probably why editing is taking longer than it should. During Camp NaNoWriMo, I’d like to spend the month fixing up final touches and ironing out details. Polish this WIP until it shines.
Final Read Through
At the end of Camp NaNo, I want to read through the WIP, from start to finish. That’s my end goal. I’ve been considering printing out the whole thing, so I can scribble down notes, if needed. And to physically just hold my work in my hands. If it’s ready for a final read through, I’d like to try an experience my story as a reader, not as the author. Which sounds impossible. Sometimes, it’s hard to shut off my writer brain when I’m reading for leisure. Anyone else?
Brainstorm Post Ideas for May of Mystery
This is like my side quest for Camp NaNoWriMo. Every year, I dedicate the entire month of May to detective fiction. I call it May of Mystery. All posts will be mystery themed, including the writing prompts. I’d like to brainstorm posts ideas for all the detective lovers out there. If you have any ideas for posts, let me know if the comments. Is there anything you want to know more about writing mysteries? I’m open to suggestions.
Are you participating in Camp NaNoWriMo? What are you currently working on? Talk to me in the comments!
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: What Does Jealousy Feel Like?
Describe what jealousy feels like.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
The Bechdel Test and It’s Impact on Fiction Writing
Hello Writer Bees,
In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite female creators, Alison Bechdel. But more importantly, the important test she invented and how it impacted the writing world.
Who is Alison Bechdel?
Alison Bechdel is an American cartoonist best known for her 2006 graphic memoir, Fun Home. Originally, she was known for the long-running comic strip. In 2012, she released her second graphic memoir Are You My Mother? Two years later, she became a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Award. As a figure in the LGBTQ community, her journey with her sexuality and gender non-conformity is at the heart of her work.
While in college, I read Fun Home and absolutely fell in love with Bechdel’s candor regarding her life. Highly recommend the book, Fun Home is a memoir like no other. And right now, I’m listening to the Fun Home Musical’s soundtrack as I write this post. (Yes, there was a musical!)
What is the Bechdel Test?
Sometimes referred to as the Bechdel Rule, the Bechdel-Wallace Test or the Mo Movie Measure. In short, the Bechdel Test is a test that measures female representation in fiction. And it can be applied to all mediums of fiction: Books, movies and T.V. shows. Now let’s be clear, failing these criteria does not mean it’s a poor representation of fictional women. However, the test does show the active presence of women in fiction, how involved they are in a story. If you are curious about what movies have passed and failed the Bechdel Test, check out bechdeltest.com, a database where users classify if a film meets the Bechdel Test criteria. To pass the test, a piece of fiction should follow this simple list of rules.
Bechdel Test Rules
- The movie has to have at least two women in it,
- who talk to each other,
- about something besides a man
- Bonus: Two women must be named.
Why is the Bechdel Test important?
While these rules sound easy enough to accomplish, you’d be surprised how many works of fiction fail this test. Underneath these simple guidelines is a deeper meaning. The Bechdel Test draws attention to gender inequality in fiction. Representation matters, writer bees. Women need stop being written off as sideline characters that revolve around the male characters. Women can take on the lead role and have an active presence in a plot. In truth, the Bechdel test raises important questions to all creators. How integral are the female characters in the plot line? Are their story arcs fleshed out and full of depth?
As a lady writer myself, the Bechdel Tests makes me look at my own female characters differently. To be more mindful about how women in any creative work are depicted. Personally, I take this test as a challenge and a standard to strive for.
What are your thoughts on the Bechdel Test? Do you think your work would pass the test? Who are some of your favorite female characters in fiction? Talk to me in the comments. As always, I love to hear from you!
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Lady Jabberwocky 