#WordWeavers 10/6 Has the MC ever done anything against their values?

He's about to. Taliesin is a bard, not a fighter. He would always seek a creative solution to a violent one, and he certainly deplores Efnysien and his bloodlust.

However, when he gets wind that the Irish are conspiring to betray the Welsh, he enlists Efnysien to quietly exterminate the Irish soldiers laying in wait before they can attack his countrymen and spoil their last chance at a peaceful resolution.

#Mythology 

 #WordWeavers 10/3: How do you convey characters' emotions.

This is the crux of all great writing, isn't it? You could have a crap plot, but if your readers connect emotionally with the characters, you're gold!

With that in mind, Yes, generally it's better to show and not tell, but if I need to spell it out plain and simple sometimes, then that's what I'll do. I also like to use personification for emotions.

i.e. his rage scorched the assembly, burning the face of any who dared meet his eyes. 

 #WordWeavers 10/2: Most intriguing character?

For B2, Bran is certainly the most intriguing to write. For one, it's a challenge to convey the scale of a man who's the size of the statue of liberty. He can't just pick up a damn glass, he has to "haul a bathtub of ale dozens of yards into the air, as one single drop fell, inundating his poor attendants with a flood of beer."

His story just gets better. By the end, he's a disembodied head, singing at a feast for 80 years.

#MythologyMonday 

 #WritersCoffeeClub 9/30 : Dumb things people say when they hear you're a writer?

This is more from people who read my book or attempted to. The chief complaint is "I liked it, but I couldn't get past all those crazy names!"

I know, I know, some people have difficulty with names, but c'mon people! These are 6th century Welsh characters! Did you want me to call the book "Tom, boss of songs, against King Kyle of Wales-ville?"

I GAVE you all a pronunciation guide!! 

 I just drafted a scene that I've been waiting to write for years. It's based off a dialogue between two big mythology characters (who I won't name for spoiler reasons) from a manuscript that's dates back at least to the mid 1200's.

I know it's the first draft and will certainly get changed but goodness gracious, it's everything I wanted it to be and it felt so damn good to finally write it out!

#WritingCommunity #Mythology #Taliesin 

 #WritersCoffeeClub 9/27 Do you kill your darlings? 

Uh-huh. With no remorse. In fact there may be a small bit of sick joy when I give a scene or character the ax. May my ideas live in constant existential fear of my swift and terrible hand.

So I do actually get excited when I have to take a piece of the story out bc it means that I am elevating my perspective to take in the whole story. I get nervous when there's a first draft and I can't find ways to improve. 

 #WritersCoffeeClub 9/27 Weirdest research.

Some notable past searches include the following:

1. How hot is bombardier beetle butt juice?

2. How did the medieval Welsh go to the bathroom?

3. How quickly does gangrene set in?

4. What gets you drunk quicker, wine or mead?

5. Places to buy mead near me?

6. What cures a mead hangover?

Full disclaimer, I never said all of these were for my writing. 

 #WritersCoffeeClub 9/17 How do you promote your writing?

That depends on its annual performance review. If the story has been pulling its weight, I offer it a supervising position, maybe assistant manager.

That’s what we’re talking about, right? 

Ok, my promotion game is bad/non-existent. However, I did just finish my author’s website! There are some shorts on there you can read for free, constructive criticism welcome!

https://corbystories.wordpress.com/

#Writing #ShortStory 

 #WordWeavers 9/8 What do you pay attention to when describing the surroundings?

Depends on what kind of scene I'm trying to set up. A cozy scene might warrant a description of the crackling fire, the steam curling up from the tea cup, ect. 

I also tend to mention the play of light in the scene. Is it warm, amber sunlight creeping up the walls in the early morning, or is it starlight reflecting in cold still waters? I find that can set the atmosphere well.

#SpeculativeFiction