Now that I've had a month-long break from writing (and while I'm waiting for my next set of edits) it's time to start planning another book. And although I can't officially announce what it is, I can share my crafting process.
I'm totally about the visual. My first stage of starting a story is building characters: what they look like, what their GMC (Goal/Motivation/Conflict) will be, and their personalities/names. To aid in this, I have a pinterest board for fascinating faces that fuel my imagination:
Since my current project is one I started a while back, I've already got the characters lined up.
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| Click to go to pinterest board |
Since my current project is one I started a while back, I've already got the characters lined up.
Which means I move on to stage two: creating the settings and world.
This is one of my favorite things EVER. Maybe because it's when I really turn my imagination loose and embrace the crazy. Anyone who's read Splintered knows what I mean. Again, I have inspirational pinboards for world-building:
I'm not talking cheetos or twinkies (although those do have their place, along with coffee and inordinate amounts of chocolate). I'm talking about horror movies with surreal plots, tons of shock value, and reel upon reel of grotesque eye candy.
Creepy critters and disturbing settings work like a defribrillator to my muse, and it's even better if the plot is mainly black and white without too many grays (in other words, junk food for the mind). That way, my brain is free to gorge itself on the visual aspects without having to think too hard about layers or predicting the ending.
Recently I've discovered the Silent Hill movies. Because they're based on computer games, the plots are mainly good vs bad and there is no shortage of gruesome graphics, scenery, and monsters.
Here are two of my favorites from the 3rd movie:
(1) A spidery creature made up of mannequin pieces. The first time I saw it scuttling down the wall, it was SO CREEPTASTIC I salivated. Heh.
Recently I've discovered the Silent Hill movies. Because they're based on computer games, the plots are mainly good vs bad and there is no shortage of gruesome graphics, scenery, and monsters.
Here are two of my favorites from the 3rd movie:
(1) A spidery creature made up of mannequin pieces. The first time I saw it scuttling down the wall, it was SO CREEPTASTIC I salivated. Heh.
(2) Mutated rusty-razor-bearing nurses whose faces are a macabre twist of skin that looks like an exposed brain. Since they have no eyes or noses, they react to their other senses: touch and sound, and move in a really jerky manner that makes them even freakier.
Watching movies also keeps me attuned to the distinctive movements of the creatures and how they react to their setting, which puts that foremost in my mind as I'm building my own worlds and monsters.
As for an actual setting that has spoken to me, there was a scene in a decrepit amusement park that inspired a deliciously eerie idea for a carnival one day. I can't WAIT to write it. ;)
As for an actual setting that has spoken to me, there was a scene in a decrepit amusement park that inspired a deliciously eerie idea for a carnival one day. I can't WAIT to write it. ;)
Seeing as I'm a glutton for weird creatures and places, I guess I've found the perfect calling and outlet by writing dark and creepy novels. ;)
There's something wrong with you. Fantastically wrong, but wrong none the less. :)
ReplyDeleteThe great irony of an amazing and visually orgasmic (yeah, I said it) post like this, is that you're the sweetest, most gentle-natured person I have ever met. I think that disposition coupled with your muses' dark and twisted side makes for epic reads--which is why you are so amazing.
whoops. EDIT ALERT: muse's.
Deletesigh.
Snort. I love you and your inner editor. And thanks for the beautiful comment, dear heart. ;)
DeleteI find inspiration in some of the oddest places, like a kids video game. So despite the belief that watching movies is a procrastination tool, in fact I find it all the opposite- it's fodder filling my head, lingering on the outskirts waiting for a story.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
~Summer
Oooh, I love me some creepy video games. I'm not much of one to play them, but I like to watch clips of them on You Tube. BTW, can certainly tell you're a writer by that last sentence in the comment. So lovely!
DeletePinterest is the bestest thing for inspiration! I can't wait to see more of your new project. :) With characters' GMC, how do you distinguish between the goal and motivation? Aren't they kind of the same thing--the reason why you're doing it/what you hope to achieve by the end?
ReplyDeleteI do love me some pinterest. I thought about closing down all my boards a while back and could never bring myself to do it because I had so many pictures saved that inspired me!
DeleteGoal is WHAT you want, motivation is WHY you want it. So there's a very subtle difference but you definitely can't have one without the other, so great point!
I <3 carnivals!!! They always make for the BEST creeptastic book settings. Have fun with your research, and happy, happy writing! Can't wait to read the one someday soon! :)
ReplyDeleteRIGHT? I think I first savored the creepy factor in carnivals while watching Something Wicked this way Comes as a kid. I've been a goner ever since. ;)
DeleteGah, I'm so excited for whatever this project is! I love a good horror movie as well. I'm thinking about starting my new project, I have a title now! Gah, those creators are so weird and evil looking, and yet there is something slightly campy about them. I love it! Hurry up and write, so I can read! Lol!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finding a title! That's always a momentous occasion. :) I agree about the monsters. Hehe. I will try to hurry, promise! Considering I have written zero wordage so far, I've a ways to go yet. LOL
DeleteOk so that spider thing is SO creeptastic I can't even begin to put it in words. And since I HATE clowns (talk about creepy, I just can't deal with them) then that carnival thing is going to freak me out for sure! Can't wait to see what you're doing!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, Brooke! You don't like clowns? Well, Unhinged is going to creep you out a little. That's all I'm saying...
Delete*insert evil laugh here*
I don't think Creepy with a capital C describes it well enough, but I adore the way your mind translates everything into your books! I can't wait to get more hints about the new project!
ReplyDeleteHehe. Thank you Pili! Me and my strange brain. ;)
DeleteMy muse just went and hid. LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL. Sorry Jessie-lou. It can be scary in that brain of mine. *hugs you and your scared muse*
DeleteFirst, I am SO excited for this...no matter what it is!! I LOVED the Silent Hill films, they freaked me out which takes effort since I am not easily scared - except by clowns..*gags*
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your muse and your world building - the world building was one of my favorite things about Splintered!! It was just so vibrant in so many ways.
Woo can't wait to hear more about the next project!! Please keep me in mind for any blog hops, etc. for Unhinged or anything else you are plotting :]
Thanks so much! I will keep you in mind!
DeleteAnd *rubs hands maniacally* you hate clowns do you? Hehehe. Just you wait... ;)
I clicked the video clip. I now have nightmares.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that.
Hehe. You were warned... :P Can't be any worse than the nightmares Splintered gave you anyway.
DeleteI actually played the silent hill games...so creepy. Ive been a fan of horror since I was still in diapers! And id rather face a room full of exposed brainy nurses than get anywhere near that clown....eeeesh.
ReplyDelete