My thoughts on Writing

I love how, when I tell people I am an English major and that I love to read and analyze literature, people look at me like I just grew three heads! It is not all that torturous! Now put a math problem in front of me then I will return the favor of looking at you like you just grew three heads. Math is the spawn of satan, the corporal punishment of studies, and the thing that I am absolutely the worse at. Just ask my 7th grade teacher, to this day she will confirm it! However, put literature in front of me I can talk, write, discuss, and analyze it until you beg me to stop. It has been the one thing to click with me. This is why I am returning to receive my masters in English and teach college literature. That way I can talk, write, discuss, and analyze on a weekly basis.

Now that I am writing a novel, I am in a whole new ball game. I am enjoying this game by all means but I can’t help but wonder if my characters are running the show or am I? I guess this constant battle of letting my characters show the readers their story has slowed down my process. Which to be honest, I really hadn’t thought of a set process. I had these characters bouncing around in my head and couldn’t sleep so I started writing. The great thing is that the story has taken on a whole life of its own. I am hoping this is a sign that my characters are speaking and not me.

I recently read a blog, countingducks,  and the writer made an analogy to writing and although I am not anything nautical, his analogy stuck out to me. It hit home and I completely relate to it. He stated “Writing a blog is a bit like building a small wooden rowing boat. Not an easy thing, but achievable with practice. Writing a novel is like suddenly being asked to build a three-masted schooner.” I am working on my schooner and I just hope she stays a float. I pray that she not only stays a float but also becomes a well-known schooner!

Only time will tell but until then, happy writing!

Research Can Be Nice

One of the many perks I have enjoyed with writing my first novel is the research.  I have taken a tourist stroll in New Orleans with my best friend and I went back and stayed at Hotel Monteleone for a night and enjoyed a relaxing time.

I ate a delicious meal at Criollo, Creole, is the restaurant within the hotel.  The wait staff, Joe and Nolan particularly, was a great help in choosing an entrée as well as keeping me company since they were not busy during that time.  I chose the Pecan Speckled Trout and all I can say is A-MAZ-ING!!!!  It consisted of crisp pancetta, herb roasted tomato, baby spinach, fresh shaved horseradish, and lemon-brown butter.  The portion was large enough for me to take half back up to the room for later.  I was hesitant at first because I do not like all the ingredients but my waiter Joe insisted that I get it because he knew I would fall in love and he was absolutely right.  I was so glad I listened.

After I ate, I got ready for the swing band that would be playing in the bar later that evening.  I was excited to be able to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.  As I headed upstairs to my room, I received a text from a friend that informed me that the 14th floor is haunted so I should check it out since I was there.  Ironically, that was the floor I was staying on.   I hate to report that I had no encounters with ghosts or any kind of hauntings.

The Carousel Bar and Lounge was very unique.  With a spinning bar that mimics an actual carousel.  They served anything from local selects as a hurricane to specialty wines.  They remained busy since locals poured in for the swing band’s performance.  The band was very energetic and had many people up and dancing.  I enjoyed sitting back and watching the fun around me.  The atmosphere was very laid back and friendly.  I did not feel out of place and true to southern hospitality, I made friends.  We enjoyed conversation and music; it was great!  Thanks to the three beautiful Michigan ladies that started talking to me; I had a blast with you guys!

My view was pretty amazing also.  Seeing the sun set and rise over the Mississippi River was awing!

Needless to say, I hated to leave the next morning but, I have not made it rich by publishing a best seller yet.  I enjoyed my time there and would highly recommend it to anyone who has the funds to stay at Hotel Monteleone and experience New Orleans in style.  Plus with the added bonus of being walking distance or a streetcar ride away to all the attractions New Orleans has to offer.

I can’t wait to see what my next research project brings.  I already want to head to South Carolina since my main female character is from Beaufort, SC.  I think I need to experience that location as well!

Anyone in for a road trip???