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Join MJ for his daily writing log and a brief discussion on the perils of pantsing.

#amwriting #writer #author #WIP

TOPICS

0:00:00 – INTRO
0:00:59 – 11-05-2023 10 Minute Writing
0:01:59 – 11-06-2023 10 Minute Writing
0:02:41 – 11-07-2023 10 Minute Writing
0:03:36 – 11-08-2023 10 Minute Writing
0:04:11 – 11-09-2023 10 Minute Writing
0:05:12 – REFLECTIONS
0:16:26 – OUTRO

LINKS

PLAYLIST

November 04-10 Author’s Log Text

November 5, 2023 – XXI

“What was THAT?” Chirp spun in place to see the Mockwing bellowing at her and Quiver. “But I hurt it…”

“Not enough!” Quiver shouted and nudged her aside as the foe struck a blow between them.

“Let’s get her!” Chirp called to Quiver.

The Mockwing swept it’s head towards Chirp, beak snapping.

“How?” Quiver asked

It advanced, snapping at Quiver, then turning to Chirp.

“It wants you!”

“You think?!” She dodged another peck.

“I have an idea!”

“Great! What?”

[11 minutes, 79 Words]

November 06, 2023 – XXII

“Be the bait!

“Bait! Why?”

“For a trap.”

“What trap?”

“I’m working on that!”

“WHAAAA!!!” Chirp narrowly escaped another peck.

“Just like that!”

“I’m not trying to lead it, I’m trying not to die!”

“Good, Chirp. Just follow me!” Quiver dashed through branches and boughs. Chirp followed after him and the Mockwing followed her. They looked like a bizarre…

[10 minutes, 59 Words]

November 07, 2023 – XXIII

…flying worm or something.

They circled a shrub for a while. Until Quiver shouted to Chirp “I’ve got an idea.”

He dove into the foliage and emerged through the other side. Chirp and the Mockwing followed. The Mockwing had some twigs and leaves sticking through it, but it rolled, shaking off the debris. They ran two more circuits through the bush then Quiver stopped suddenly. Chirp almost crashed into him, but swerved past. A jet of dust shot from Quiver, covering the Mockwing.

“OK Chirp, get ready to…”

[11 minutes, 88 Words]

November 08, 2023 – XXIV

“… blast!”

Chirp pivoted and put the enemy in her sights.

“NOW!”

Chirp chirped with a piercing sound that worked in concert to stop the foe. The Mockwing froze, caught in the bushy foliage. Chirp and Quiver dashed to meet the Mockwing and…

[10  minutes, 43 Words]

November 09, 2023 – XXV

…attacked it with [Light Arms] and [radiance]. Now that the Mockwing had been stopped, the two Cadets now had the time to apply their attacks for long enough to hurt it. As the moments ticked on, they burned away at the creature. Puffs of mist shed from the bird as they continued to attack. The bird had been stunned by Chirp’s sonic attack and Quiver’s paralyzing spray, but it was too strong. Neither of the Cadet’s attacks by itself would have hurt the Hobnaut, but together they were able to deal serious damage. The Mockwing shrieked with rage and thrashed. It was not ready to be vanquished. It broke free and dove for the pair…

[11 minutes, 115 Words]

Blogified Podcast Episode

The Importance of Visualizing Your Story Before Writing

As a writer and artist, I’m realizing more and more how valuable it is to visualize my stories before setting words to the page. Recently, I was reflecting on my creative process while working on my middle grade fantasy series “Grobug Tales.”

Struggling with the Mechanics of My World

A while ago I introduced abilities like “light arms” for my bug characters to manipulate their environment. But the mechanics felt fuzzy because I didn’t illustrate how they might physically manifest. I spent a lot of time outlining questions instead of descriptions in my writing sessions.

How Drawing Unlocks my Creativity

Lately when sketching out superhero characters for other projects, I’m struck by how many story ideas spill out organically from the art. Visualizing these heroes ignites my imagination. I believe drawing accesses my creativity differently than writing in isolation.

Developing a Story Bible Through Concept Art

Moving forward, I want to flesh out a “style guide” for all my books by drawing all the characters, monsters, and world elements first. Having a visual reference will help me write efficiently without pausing to make up key details on the fly. It also helps me consider practical problems I may overlook otherwise.

The Benefits of Cross-Pollinating Writing and Art

I used to think I should separate my writing and drawing to avoid burnout on one story. But now I see the value in cross-pollinating my creative outlets. Illustrating Grobugs will undoubtedly spark new narrative directions just as designing superheroes makes me want to write their adventures. Blending mediums yields the best results.

Let me know your thoughts on visualizing stories through concept art before drafting the prose! I’d love any insights on better integrating writing and drawing.