Idea overload (how many is too many?)

So, I'm driving to Roseburg from Gladstone today (about 2.5 hours give or take), and you would not believe the new story ideas that kept popping up! Well, I suppose you could, particularly since you all are mostly writers. Unfortunately, I was driving so I couldn't jot down these ideas that were coming at me like a hailstorm. Of course, because my memory capacity is that of a gnat's, there weren't many that stuck around either. Sigh.

I have four projects that I'm working on right now, it's not like I really need another story to write about; but these were good ideas! I had the multiple story lines and characters all lined up for at least three of them. Really, though, how many ideas, projects, stories etc. should a writer have at once? How long before your brain just runs out of idea space?

I caught myself laughing at the twists my morbid mind would take in this whole process. Every scenario resulted in murder, mayhem and chaos. Road rage, body dumps in the forest, farm equipment murders..... even 'Duckicide'. (There were so many crazy Duck fans on the road it was hard not to imagine something gruesome happening to them all. Really, they were asking for it!)

I wrote earlier about the cross genred author, and I think I'd like to have a story that didn't involve tragedy and dereliction, but somehow, my mind always comes back to that. I like romance, I like happy endings and I like to laugh. I do incorporate all of the above into my work, but it's definitely secondary to mutilation, torture, blood and guts. (My English teachers would have been very concerned.)

So, tell me if you think my pe-occupation with death and dying is weird, I want to avoid a genre type-cast, so please throw me a bone and help a girl out! Now, I must jot down some notes about some really killer story ideas!

Till next time.
Lori~

Cat Nap

My cats are so great. So much so, in fact, they have a significant place in For the Helpless. Husbands, kids and parents are great too, don't get me wrong. I've even worked them into my story lines. My cats, however, are reflected as they are in real life..... bed hogs, cry babies and wonderful snugglers. I had to change the names of my other characters to protect the innocent. Taz and Angel appear as-is in all of their glory.

I don't know if other authors include their pets in their writing, maybe it's weird, but here's the thing: The majority of the time I was writing, one or both would be stretched out on my legs, lying beside me, their head on my knee, and at times, offering to do some some of the typing for me. Obviously, they wanted to be involved and a part of things. In fact, as I write this, they take turns on my lap, periodically chasing each other off and taking possession for their turn.

I knew that my main character's life wouldn't be the same if she didn't have cats. (I love dogs too, but most fictional crime fighters have dogs. It's a bit over-done.) She needed a little soft and fluffy in her life. Plus, I think cats are great judges of character. I use this in the story line to add a different perspective about some of the people in Kelly Lowe's life.

I'd be interested in knowing what some of you think about pets as key characters. If you have a pet, how would you portray them in a story? Taz and Angel will probably be by Kelly's side in future writings. I may need some ideas for other projects too, though. Toss me some ideas, and I might just use it in one of my future books!

Time to give the kitties some love, they're feeling a little ignored.

Till next time,
Lori ~

The Cross-Genred Author

In my mind there are at least a dozen story lines fighting for space at any given time. Some are humorous, some romantic or suspenseful. There are those that involve fanciful fantasy with giants and dragons, or murder and mystery. With so many genres to choose from, how can I pick just one?

There is the old saying that goes something like this, 'good at many, great at none'. Or something like that anyhow. I know of a number of authors that are cross-genred. I must admit, for some of them, that saying is true, others, like John Grisham or Nora Roberts, they could write a nursery rhyme and it would be a best seller.

Obviously, having yet to have published any material, I am not sure what genre I am best at. I aspire to be great at several at least. One, however comes naturally- crime, murder and mayhem. Possibly because my imagination runs wild whenever I am out hiking or bike riding. Or possibly because I've watched too many  episodes of crime drama on CBS.

I've leaned towards mystery and crime in my first project and am about to write a children's book based on a childhood story my mom used to tell me. There are a few futuristic sci-fi's spinning around this noggin of mine and a good old fashioned good vs. evil story I started many years ago. I hope you'll help me find my niche. I also hope I can be great at many!

Here's to the Cross-Genred writer in all of us.... not to be confused with the cross gendered version.

Till next time ~ Lori

I've been told to blog.....

As a writer, one would assume I would jump at the chance to write. Which, normally, I would. Blogging, however is a little different. It's instantaneous; out there for everyone to read almost immediately. I must confess, that reality is a little daunting. I can't help but ask, "Why would anyone want to read a blog about me?" My answer is this- they wouldn't. So, I vow to make this blog not about myself as much as it is about my imagination. My stories. My  projects. The important and interesting stuff.
It has been suggested that I start a blog, get my name out there and network a bit. My first finished project, a kick butt crime thriller is being edited, and with any luck, my baby will be in black and white with a shiny new cover soon.
Even now, after having finished the writing and endless re-writes, I have butterflies in my stomach as I wait to hear thoughts on my writing from someone I've never met.
Will she see the characters as I intended? Can she visualize the Pacific Northwest as I've described it through out the book?
I can describe the feeling I have best by using this example; watching my daughter ride the bus off to school for the first time. I'm anxious and excited, but a little nervous and sad. Will her teachers understand her quirky sense of humor, will she behave like a little angel, or get herself sent to the principal's office on the first day?
Then there's the letting go. This child of mine has started a new chapter and I must admit, it was and is hard to put her in someone else's hands.
So, nearly two years of hard work and many, many words, has been passed on.
Welcome to my life of words.....
Lori