I’m really happy to have Alyxandra Harvey by my side today! There is a lot going on right now in Alyx’s career so I’m that much more happy that she accepted my invitation! Happy hope you great her warmly! =)
Filling the Well, by Alyxandra Harvey
When I'm not writing....I'm still writing! That's the thing about writers, we never really turn off that part of our brains. In fact, my husband frequently asks me "are you back yet?" and that's when I realize I've been staring off into space and brainstorming or eavesdropping on characters.
Or you know, thinking about cute boys like Johnny Depp and Jensen Ackles.
But I claim that as writing time too.
I'm working, really I am.
Same thing applies if it looks like I'm napping.
That being said, it's important to not write as well. Not only do you have to go out there and experience stuff for yourself as a person, but you have to do that as a writer too. Research, as much as I love it (and I really do!), can't replace new adventures, actual sunlight and interacting with others. You have to "fill the well" as Julia Cameron puts it.
Luckily, filling the well is fun. That's the whole point. We all rejuvenate in different ways and there's no wrong answer---as long as it feeds you. That's the trick: it has to feed you, not be fed by you. For me, this is especially important after finishing a book; and this is a timely post since I've just finished #5 in the Drake series. I feel weird and discombobulated after the fire of writing the last few
chapters. So, I fill the well. And jump into the next novel!
Here are some things that work for me: long walks, being in a forest or by a river or lake, watching my dogs being silly. Belly dancing, making jewelry, weaving on a lap loom, picturing what I would wear if I was an ancient Celt, or lived in Medieval, Regency or Victorian Britain.
I light candles and incense, read Mary Oliver poetry. I look at photos of writer's desks and artist studios. I reread favourite books such as The Wood Wife by Terri Windling. I read historical romance novels (esp. Eloisa James and Lisa Kleypas).
I talk about Mr. Darcy. A lot.
And I watch favourite movies: Lost In Austen (Mr. Darcy!), Desperate Romantics (Pre-Raphalietes!), Pride and Prejudice (do I have to say it? Mr. Darcy!), Little Women, Inkheart, The Mummy...
And Johnny Depp.
Did I mention Johnny Depp?
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Thank you so much Alyxandra for taking the time to share with us! I have to say I’m also a big fan of Jensen Ackles (Supernatural OMG!) & Johnny Depp (ARGH!).
Here’s a bit more about the Drake series books:
Book III: Out for Blood
Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, he sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends — or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?
RELEASE DATES: November 1/2010 in UK and Australia, Nov 23 and/or Dec 21 in Canada and December 21/2010 in US.
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Hi :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing here today Alyxandra!
All the best,
RKCharron