tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post3918857697916397529..comments2024-02-14T01:24:18.355-08:00Comments on Angelina C. Hansen: Have You Sailed Away From Your Safe Harbor? #WIPMADNESS Check-InAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-65126399232915449922012-01-23T02:11:12.128-08:002012-01-23T02:11:12.128-08:00I've sailed away several times. Lol I started ...I've sailed away several times. Lol I started out with historical fiction, but ended up adding fantasy that may not work well with that story. I have yet to revisit and correct. Some time, I will.Miranda Hardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17880449368013410349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-69205715212118508192012-01-20T17:02:43.584-08:002012-01-20T17:02:43.584-08:00That's awesome, KJ! Can't wait to see what...That's awesome, KJ! Can't wait to see what you've come up with. ^_^Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-35376293490228367092012-01-17T17:55:55.811-08:002012-01-17T17:55:55.811-08:00Hi Angi, glad to hear your "mistake" was...Hi Angi, glad to hear your "mistake" wasn't one. That must have been a terrible feeling indeed. <br /><br />I left many safe harbors this past year, both with my work and literally as well (living abroad) and I've loved the adventures that have resulted. <br /><br />When a picture book manuscript I was playing around with felt like something else I found myself just going with it and writing something else. The experience has been filled with surprise, play and thrilling rushes. But at times it has also left me wondering what I've gotten myself into. I suppose I could say that the adventure has sort of been akin to the adventure of living abroad, which seems appropriate. But I'm so happy I took the leap, in both respects. And now I've nearly finished writing an early mid-grade novel! Also too, like Denise above, my book isn't set in the U.S. which has been an interesting and fun challenge.Kjerstenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07934151755377892504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-66745442030259431932012-01-17T17:25:28.322-08:002012-01-17T17:25:28.322-08:00Yeah for you! I've been there many times. And ...Yeah for you! I've been there many times. And it's scary. But sometimes when I lose my way, it helps me in the end.Christina Farleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03459203755170266842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-26349115741584204522012-01-17T16:03:05.230-08:002012-01-17T16:03:05.230-08:00Sounds like you're focused and busy. Keep it u...Sounds like you're focused and busy. Keep it up!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-87775545407813458762012-01-17T16:02:20.916-08:002012-01-17T16:02:20.916-08:00Get it done fast or write it well. The choice is y...Get it done fast or write it well. The choice is yours. ^_^Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-83814176873863021852012-01-17T10:37:48.971-08:002012-01-17T10:37:48.971-08:00I feel as though I’m constantly away from that saf...I feel as though I’m constantly away from that safe harbor, especially beginning with Rogue 5. Before that point, I’d never written romance. Then again, that’s not entirely true. I’ve always had romantic *elements* in my writing because I’ve always been a bit of a romantic at heart. I grew up with romantic elements, whether Elric’s doomed love for Cymoril in the Saga of Elric of Melnibone, or Caramon and Tika’s evolving love throughout the Dragonlance Chronicles, or films such as, Say Anything, Sixteen Candles, Better Off Dead (yes, everything I know of romance I learned from a Cusack movie ;) ), Pretty In Pink, etc.<br /><br />The theme was almost always there in my works, though not to the degree they are now. I actually started writing in the romance genre because my wife assured me that I had a talent for it, based on all the romance she’d read. Rogue 5 was my first true Romance novel AND my first science fiction piece (aside from a sci-fi short story with zombie sub-genre leanings), as well. Most of what I’ve written before has been epic fantasy. I cut my reading teeth, so to speak, on epic fantasy. It’s what I know well. So, dropping into two genres I didn’t normally write was an interesting leap.<br /><br />Now it seems that sci-fi romance is all my brain wants to think about. I just wrote up the premise for my next work, which is a sci-fi romance in the vein of Firefly or Star Wars, with that space western type feel. Amusingly, I’m going to be using some expected tropes from romance that in the last two works I purposefully shied away from, so we’ll see how that goes. Hopefully I’ll pull ‘em off realistically.<br /><br />The Avon project is also a bit experimental, as it’s the first time I’ve actively used my own thoughts and fears of current events to create a piece. I try not to put messages in my work. If people find some, it’s cool, but not necessarily intended. ;) However, the events were plaguing my head to a degree that I couldn’t help but use them as an outlet for the piece. It seemed like a no-brainer based on the open call requirement.<br /><br />Beyond that, I’m always experimenting with putting together themes and genres normally at odds, pushing the envelope, so to speak. It may make it more difficult to sell the finished works when I do it this way, but I think they’ll stand out more in the end.<br /><br />Far as WIPMadness goes, I’m still awaiting final beta feedback on the Avon thing. I may have to finalize it myself if I don’t hear back soon from one of the betas. Ah well. It feels pretty strong. I think this week I’ll be finishing the brainstorm for my next work and get back to finishing the first draft on book 2 of my epic fantasy duology. I think I was about halfway through it before I hit the brakes for the Avon open call. I’m hoping to have that duology finished and revised by my birthday (end of March). We’ll see how that goes. Which means I’ll be starting the next work around then...if I can wait that long. ;)Daniel R. Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06825277831924707303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-84137409866895235722012-01-17T09:35:08.557-08:002012-01-17T09:35:08.557-08:00KIP-- I'm terrified of that pace and jealous!...KIP-- I'm terrified of that pace and jealous! Keep us posted. <br />Angelina -- Dear lord, I can just imagine the heart palpitations. So relieved you found your resource again. <br /><br />I basically need a kick in the backside. I have research to do that I'm only picking at, but it's stalling out further progress. I have two POVs that are quite comfortable and two from another country... Oh boy. I just gotta get over that I need time to research when all I really want to report is a high word count. Quality over quantity, yes? <br /><br />All my friends are nodding....Girl Parkerhttp://girlparker.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-45338291844593965312012-01-17T08:08:27.200-08:002012-01-17T08:08:27.200-08:00Wow, Kip. That's intense! I've got a huge ...Wow, Kip. That's intense! I've got a huge pile of books to read and since the snow is piling up outside, I should have lots of time for them. Congrats on the high speed revision. At that rate, the new WIP won't be neglected for long.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-208365892210120542012-01-17T08:05:33.485-08:002012-01-17T08:05:33.485-08:00Sorry about the stomach uck. Hope this week is ENO...Sorry about the stomach uck. Hope this week is ENORMOUS!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-63571081597376112212012-01-17T07:52:35.140-08:002012-01-17T07:52:35.140-08:00Oooh, better late than never. Hi, #wipmadness frie...Oooh, better late than never. Hi, #wipmadness friends! Love the analogy too. I have had those terrifying moments too, of HOLY CRAP DID I GET THIS RIGHT? Your source looks great. So awesome to be able to read texts in the original language. <br /><br />I'm working with a new crit partner now, and we're exchanging a chapter a day, revising them and turning around the next. It's wicked intense, but I'm already working on chapter 6, which is way faster than I expected. So much easier to hear from someone how your words strike them rather than trying to figure it out on your own.<br /><br />I'm keeping up with that this coming week, and I also want to get a little more time in on my new WIP, which has been suffering with all this revision time. It's my reward. :-)<br /><br />I'm also trying to read more this year (only read 61 last year, and I was shooting for 100, sigh), but I've already read 5 great books this year, so I'm hoping I can keep up the momentum.<br /><br />Cheers and good #wipmadness vibes to all!<br />KipAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-82389527300858794552012-01-17T06:06:10.428-08:002012-01-17T06:06:10.428-08:00Hang in there, Medeia. I'm about to step away...Hang in there, Medeia. I'm about to step away from my historical comfort zone and into the contemporary world when this WIP is done. The ghosts will follow, but they will have a very different environment. <br /><br />Good luck with your project!Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10104992485564788542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-20723377692417157052012-01-17T06:04:34.029-08:002012-01-17T06:04:34.029-08:00YAY! Way to go, Angelina! LOVE the quotation!
I...YAY! Way to go, Angelina! LOVE the quotation!<br /><br />I guess it is sort of "steady as she goes" time, trawling through the storm. (Sorry, my metaphor is a little wonky!) I finished another chapter on Friday, but spent the weekend in bed with a stomach bug :P. But now I am standing at the precipice, ready for the final face-off. So time to GO BIG!<br /><br />Here's to a solid word-count this week for everyone!Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann)https://www.blogger.com/profile/10104992485564788542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-59546484964352088262012-01-16T15:27:38.052-08:002012-01-16T15:27:38.052-08:00And the beautiful thing is, you are your own boss!...And the beautiful thing is, you are your own boss! Do what you have to do, Lora.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-76171955276962460982012-01-16T14:20:27.512-08:002012-01-16T14:20:27.512-08:00Great metaphor, Angelina. From all I'm seeing ...Great metaphor, Angelina. From all I'm seeing on twitter, looks like people are really pushing through. Congrats on those word counts!<br /><br />I finished my agent list but didn't write at all except to do post-critique group editing and query swaps. I think I need to be patient and all myself not to write until the pre-query process finishes. I just can't seem to get into the next book while this one's still in need of tweaks and combs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07253166034862608647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-64831427653521436142012-01-16T13:18:53.216-08:002012-01-16T13:18:53.216-08:00Thanks, Medeia. I'll look forward to reading y...Thanks, Medeia. I'll look forward to reading your historical one of these days. ^_^Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-69535583394727988292012-01-16T13:13:07.849-08:002012-01-16T13:13:07.849-08:00I was in rough waters this summer. I tried writing...I was in rough waters this summer. I tried writing a paranormal, when I'm a realistic-contemporary writer, and I haven't touched it in months. I was about two chapters into it.<br /><br />Right now I'm writing a historical, although it's not as long ago as yours. I'm going to stick to it.<br /><br />Good luck out in the rough waters, and it seems like you're making great progress.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-88644664161691655802012-01-16T13:06:16.497-08:002012-01-16T13:06:16.497-08:00Sleep is key to everything else. Happy to hear you...Sleep is key to everything else. Happy to hear you're resting well again, Laura.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-39410659306363007802012-01-16T12:47:43.253-08:002012-01-16T12:47:43.253-08:00Wow, this theme seems strong today. David B. Coe w...Wow, this theme seems strong today. David B. Coe wrote a post on ambition at Magical Words that I think is worth sharing:<br /><br />http://www.magicalwords.net/david-b-coe/on-writing-the-value-of-ambition/<br /><br />I answered there, but basically, yes, I feel that with the work I'm querying, I did leave my safe harbour. It's just hard to judge exactly where I am right now.<br /><br />As for my goals ... <br /><br />1) Yes, I did finish the revision spreadsheet. Last week, I believe. I haven't sent any new queries, though. I think I was too stressed out by work and not sleeping well (not just because of work). So I went straight to the root of the problem and finally saw my doctor about it. I've slept well since Thursday. Feeling much more with it, so I hope to send a few queries this week.<br /><br />2) No reading accomplished this week, though I did acquire more books. Gah, I have got to be better about addressing the books already *on* my TBR shelf!<br /><br />3) I haven't been tracking very well, and I've stopped caring as much. I am aware of what I'm eating. I also haven't been able to exercise because I'm still recovering from my sprained ankle. I think the important thing is that I've been sleeping better these past few days, and that has helped.<br /><br />4) I have been writing ... sort of. I'd like to make my brain settle down and get deep into a manuscript again. Once more, I think the regular sleep *will* help. But that's where I'm at right now.L.S. Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14027508427079449613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-46069991623714336542012-01-16T12:10:34.701-08:002012-01-16T12:10:34.701-08:00Thanks, JRo. Congrats on the great progress. Subtl...Thanks, JRo. Congrats on the great progress. Subtle and soulful are wonderful goals.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-15736348077173710182012-01-16T12:06:11.504-08:002012-01-16T12:06:11.504-08:00Well I'm writing a YA contemporary but there&#...Well I'm writing a YA contemporary but there's no safe harbor. Tricky subject matter that I'm trying to make subtle and soulful. And I do love alliteration. I wrote about 4.5k last week if I count this morning's words<br /><br />So relieved for you that you had things work out okay Angelina - tearing apart a manuscript is so scary.Jaye Robin Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03929739858812153990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-9442432255727299012012-01-16T09:30:01.371-08:002012-01-16T09:30:01.371-08:00Yes, you literally sailed into unknown seas. ^_^ H...Yes, you literally sailed into unknown seas. ^_^ Have a great week!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-62897475942034933412012-01-16T09:28:33.617-08:002012-01-16T09:28:33.617-08:00Yes, I've left my safe harbor. I"m still ...Yes, I've left my safe harbor. I"m still writing YA contemp, but as you know, this book is not set in the US, which is a huge challenge (but also a huge inspiration!) Just got word back from my two beta readers. Digesting their input, organizing my thoughts, and I hope to dive back in again by next week.<br /><br />In the meantime, still working on my grief workshop and catching up on some interviews.Denise Jadenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-90884149409148000702012-01-16T08:38:20.628-08:002012-01-16T08:38:20.628-08:00Congrats on 4K, LisaAnn. That's fabulous!!! Ma...Congrats on 4K, LisaAnn. That's fabulous!!! Maybe you're a pantser, or maybe you're a writer who uses whatever method is needed at the moment. ^_^ Thanks for checking in!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4078278410744887002.post-83330203501894097732012-01-16T08:25:12.266-08:002012-01-16T08:25:12.266-08:00Hello all, and wow, was I glad to double-read that...Hello all, and wow, was I glad to double-read that sentence where you said you only THOUGHT you'd made an error. Isn't that a terrible feeling?<br /><br />I sat down with my WIP for the first time since before Christmas this week, and I managed to hammer out more than 4,000 words! It's weird; I've always been a plotter, but I'm kinda pantsing this time around. It's working so much better than it did last time I tried it, and I think the reason is that I now have confidence in my ability to finish the story. The first time around, I was terrified I'd take a wrong turn somewhere and waste 100 pages with crap.<br /><br />Does this mean I'm a... ...pantser??LisaAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02084670148565013397noreply@blogger.com