The Sky's the Limit

Dragonfly, my YA urban fantasy romance - or paranormal romance, I guess - is finally on Amazon. It's been a long journey - from first draft to final novel - but at last, here it is! And it's something I'm proud of. What's it about?

Eighteen-year-old Joshua Miller is great at being invisible, despite the four, large, insect-like wings protruding from his back and his knack for high-rise robberies. He can remember almost nothing of his life before Nik found him and taught him his trade. Now he’s alone, and he likes it that way.

When Joshua unexpectedly meets Lexi on a job, his simple, uncomplicated existence shifts. Although he intends to remain uninvolved, something about her captivates him and he begins to let her in. As he navigates the strange nuances of a relationship with a girl as desperate to be different as he is to be ordinary, he becomes increasingly aware that he is not who he wants to be for her. 

Confronted by the past he’d forgotten and a family he didn’t know existed, Joshua must decide for himself where he belongs and who holds the key to his future.

What I like about this story is that I don't think it's your typical romance story, although for me, the romance of it was the essential catalyst in moving our character from being someone who exists to someone who is looking for meaning in life.


When I originally wrote this piece, I intended for the romance to be the the main focus. It was going to be about Joshua and Lexi; about how love has the power to overcome all obstacles. But as I wrote, I realized it wasn't really about love overcoming obstacles so much as it was about love having the power to change the way we look at the world and the way we look at ourselves. 

There's this verse in the Bible, that says "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Pet. 1:8 NIV). Or, as the Doctor says, "Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?" (Doctor Who, Dark Water). And for me, that's what is at the heart of the story. The idea that love - and not just romantic love - can make us see the world, and ourselves, differently. The idea that love can change us. 

And I believe it can. It's changed me, anyway. 

A Long Overdue Update: Books and Babies

It's been quiet around this blog-space. I know, because it's my blog-space and I have not written anything in the last several months. I figure it's time for an update. Much has happened since the last entry. Here are the top three, in no particular order:


1) I signed a book contract 

The YA spec fic novel I'd submitted to a small independent press in the US was accepted and they offered me a contract. It's exactly what I've been working towards with this book, so I'm ecstatic!  I'll have more details as we get closer to the publication date, but it's been a pretty great process so far. After carefully reading the contract - which turned out to be excellent, by the way - I had the thrill of signing it. I'm looking forward to seeing my baby published. 

The editorial portion of the process has been a learning experience. The novel had already been professionally edited and beta-read prior to submission, of course, but now, as the publisher readies my book for publication, I receive notice of areas I need to rework or revise. To be honest, sometimes I want to resist. After all, going back to a piece that has already been edited and rewritten so many times can be frustrating. It helps when I remind myself that the publisher is looking out for my best interest. After all, I'm not paying for their services - like all trad presses, big and small, they will require my book to actually sell in order for them to make anything on it. It's their name and reputation as well - It will be good for both of us if the novel is the best product it can possibly be. It also helps when I actually look at what needs to be changed and realize - as I always do - that the publisher is (sigh) totally correct. Somehow, despite the previous edits and revisions, there are still weaknesses to strengthen and problems to fix. 

In fact, each time I go back to improve or add a scene, and with each revision, I see my work becoming better: clearer, more engaging, more enjoyable. Not only is my novel improving, but I am becoming a better writer through this experience. 


2) My other book, Dragonfly, is being released by Peasantry Press in the fall

Dragonfly, pre-released during Steinbach's Summer in the City festival and available at small Manitoba retailer Driven to Sew, will have a wide release, in paperback and ebook, in fall 2015. It will be available from Amazon and also have extended distribution through other book retailers, primarily online although potentially in store. The details are still in progress. Stay tuned for an invite to the release party - it will be local (in Manitoba) and fun. And if you're into Young Adult fantasy or paranormal romance, here's the back-cover write up: 

Eighteen-year-old Joshua Miller is great at being invisible, despite the four, large, insect-like wings protruding from his back and his knack for high-rise robberies. He can remember almost nothing of his life before Nik found him and taught him his trade. Now he’s alone, and he likes it that way.

When Joshua unexpectedly meets Lexi on a job, his simple, uncomplicated existence shifts. Although he intends to remain uninvolved, something about her captivates him and he begins to let her in. As he navigates the strange nuances of a relationship with a girl as desperate to be different as he is to be ordinary, he becomes increasingly aware that he is not who he wants to be for her. Confronted by the past he’d forgotten and a family he didn’t know existed, Joshua must decide for himself where he belongs and who holds the key to his future.

3) Our family is expanding

Along with the addition of an adorable puppy, Rufus (our 16 week old miniature schnauzer puppy who we love more than we ever thought was possible), we are expecting a baby in early October.

According to my What to Expect App, I'm due in precisely six weeks. Which seems like nothing, until I break it down into days: 42 days seems much longer than six weeks. But six weeks or 42 days, the countdown has begun and we're all pretty excited around here. Totally not ready yet, but excited anyway.  

We feel like, in some ways, little Rufus has been helping us practice for baby's arrival.  He's completely dependent on us - loving nothing more than being in our arms or on our laps. I'm up at all hours of the night when he needs to go outside or when he's unbearably lonely, I'm constantly cleaning up after him when he messes, and we've rushed off to the vet at the drop of a hat when he seemed ill (coming away with a painful bill, to boot) - but I find that we don't even really mind it because we love him so much. I know he's a dog, but he's our dog, and he's a part of our family. I'm hoping he's house trained and is sleeping through the night by the time baby gets here though - a person can only lose so much sleep per night! 


So, readers, there is the news for now. I hope you have all been enjoying your summer, whether that means catching up with friends, chilling with the family, reading great literature, writing your next book, getting out on your bike, traveling the world, or soaking up the sun. 

Yep. NaNoWriMo. It's that time again.

So, it's November. A month known for bringing the fresh, cool winter chill, colorful leaves so vivid they'll take your breath away, unforgettable sunsets, and... NaNoWriMo.

Yes, National Novel Writing Month begins. I've mentioned this before, but it always astonishes me how divided writers are when it comes to the value of this event. Some think it promotes shotty writing and messy plots, that it encourages hacks to fancy themselves writers, that it is yet another tool in the overflowing toolbox of poor writing practice. Others, though, (and I count myself among this lot) find that it encourages writers to get past their own self-defeating writer's block, to develop regular writing habits, to complete a very rough first draft, to - in fact - become better writers by the act of actually - gasp -  writing.

And so, with those goals in mind, I gleefully participate each year. Because besides the reasons I listed above, the event is ridiculously fun. Stressful and challenging, yes, but also fun. The deadline, the forced creativity, the knowledge that so many other writers out there are also world building and word crafting - it's great to be part of something like that. And in general, most writers I know don't really think the pieces we create during NaNoWriMo are finished works, but works in progress, nearer to completion than before the month begun.

For me, some pieces I've created during this event will never see the light of day, and others have undergone so much editing they are barely recognizable. But that doesn't mean NaNoWriMo was a waste of time - it means it was an opportunity for a beautiful start, as well as a great way to experiment with my craft. And beyond that, I love writing, so any event that forces me to do something I love for an extended period of time is A-Okay in my books.

This year, I'm starting the event with a completely mapped-out story. I've planned my characters, my plot, my conclusion. When it comes to my normal writing, I do like to plan all details, but I'm usually a semi-planner when it comes to NaNoWriMo; I go in with a general idea of what will happen, but the how is always a bit murky. This time, I've gone into full-out planner mode for this event. We'll see if that helps. I'm also writing in different genre. Normally I'm a spec-fic girl, but I'm making the leap to contemporary sweet-romance. We shall see how it goes. Hopefully nobody turns out to be an alien, but sometimes, despite the planning, my characters surprise me.

Anyway, wish me luck! If you're participating (and writers, I recommend it) - luck to you too.

May the force be with you. (Annnnd that was my last spec-fic reference of the month.)

I Don't Like Books by Jane Austen

There. I said it. I don't like books by Jane Austen. I really, truly don't. I don't necessarily dislike them, entirely. But, as I said, neither do I particularly like them. I want to, if that helps. Listen, I know. You don't have to shout - I can hear you across the miles of cyberspace between us. Every literary-minded woman with an ounce of breeding and an iota of romantic spirit likes Jane Austen! I know! I SAID I KNOW!

I've pretended, for years, to like her writing. I read "Pride and Prejudice" with gusto, and dutifully saw the Colin Firth version. When Hollywood released a more accessible one in 2005, I even dragged my poor husband there - and scolded him for falling asleep during the moment when dashing Mr. Darcy confesses his love to Elizabeth in the rain (despite my true feelings about Jane Austin's stories, I really did feel his slumber was inexcusable! It was, after all, a very moving scene). And it's not that I disliked the movies. They were… fine. I'd go so far as to say I loved some of the scenes (like the aforementioned one. And the one pictured above). But that was the problem. I only loved some of the scenes. The scenes in between those few I'd describe as "okay" or even "forgettable."

I also read, and watched, Sense and Sensibility. And Emma? Yes. Emma too. Oh, and I endured Persuasion for a book club study, and practiced my acting ability as I - I think quite convincingly - portrayed a reader who was enthralled with the love story and beautiful sense of setting Ms. Austen created for her readers. 

Truly, I can't fault her writing. It's finely crafted, with breathtaking moments of sheer emotional brilliance. But there is something about the majority of her characters that repel me, and something about the style that is off-putting. Maybe it's the nuances of class relations that get to me. Maybe it's her propensity to include the texts of the letters characters write to one another.  Maybe it is simply the number of uninteresting words between the exceptional ones.  Whatever it is, it defeats me at every turn.

It's not that I don't enjoy literature from different time periods, nor that I somehow dislike romance. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is, I think, my favourite book of all times. I've read and re-read and re-read it, and have tearfully watched every film version I can find. Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night and his Much Ado About Nothing are glorious in play, film, and written formats. And I absolutely love Charles Dickens' Great Expectations (although to be perfectly honest, I much prefer his second more "hopeful" resolution to his dreary original one and I believe it to be far superior - judge me as you will!)

Even as I write this post, I feel a sense of trepidation. Can I still call myself a lover of true literature - and a romantic - without a love of Jane Austen? Is there something about her writing that I'm missing? And is there one book out there that she's written that will make her writing click for me? If you have the answers, dear readers, do tell. Please, do. 

After all, as Jane Austen herself writes, "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." Ouch indeed.  

On Books and Movies

I love books. Love them. I love losing myself in the written word, as my imagination brings to life the world and characters the author has created. I love the richness of texture and detail that only written language can create in the mind. 

I also love movies. Love them. I love losing myself in the beauty of the mise-en-scene, in the world and characters created by the writers, directors, actors, and all others that work together to create the art of each film. 

What I really love, I guess, is story. Give me a good story, and I'm happy. The medium matters in that each form brings with it a unique and beautiful method of storytelling, but story is what I love. 

Perhaps that is why book-to-movie adaptations never quite work for me. There are a few exceptions, of course. Certainly, I can think of a few of these movies that are beautiful in their own right, even if they aren't entirely true to the book. Some, I must admit, I have even preferred to the book - where a change in character or storyline seemed more satisfying than the original work. But more often than not, when a film is made from a novel, it seems to me a string of scenes woven together to create but a poor reflection of the original story.

It's only natural, I suppose, that these adaptations would be left wanting. After all, the author has had, in most cases, hundreds of pages to build their worlds, to create depth of character, and to enhance the  intensity of the story. As one experiences the book, the author's vision interacts with the reader's own imagination, building - together - the complex and vivid textual universe. On the other hand, directors can show you the scene, and a good director can add depth and beauty unrivalled, at times, in the best imagination, but in terms of character, scene, and story, they really only have a couple of hours to create what would have taken a reader much longer to experience. Nevertheless, I'm always excited to see the film version of a book I love - and I admit, a great movie adaptation will often drive me to read the book.

Because I love story. In all its glorious forms.

Storytelling

I often start my English Language Arts "Narrative" unit with discussion about why storytelling is important. The ideas, at first, often revolve around the craft of fiction writing: students mention (and rightly so) that if you want your stories to be read, you must actually be good at telling them.

Eventually, though, we get to the idea that storytelling is actually important for much, much more than just writing fiction. Making an impression during a job interview often depends on your storytelling skills. ("Can you recall a time when you were challenged in your previous job?" OR "Describe one of your professional weaknesses"). Engaging friends in conversation often requires a certain storytelling skill too, doesn't it? We've all had those friends... or been those friends... who try to tell about an experience and then the story kind of just falls...flat. Storytelling is important.

A colleague of mine - also an English teacher - recently shared her own, true story during the high school chapel. She began it by introducing it as "the story of a girl". As she wove her story together, complete with symbols, numbers, and overt literary devices, she painted such a vivid picture of setting and characterization, that I - and the students in the room - could see it... could see her. The structure of her story drew us in, and the language she used captivated our imaginations and kept our attention completely. 

Her story was about self-doubt and self-loathing. About the lies the Enemy wants us to believe about ourselves. About thinking you are not a valuable person. In all truth, her story made me feel, at first, sick. Sick because I have felt as she felt as a teen myself, and because so many teens now feel as she felt; sick because the beauty of her words belied the ugliness of the lies she - we - believed. As her story continued, the sick feeling dissipated as I was caught up in the beauty of the narrative and suspense of the rising action. As we reached the dramatic and heart-pounding climax, where God intervenes at exactly the most crucial moment, it was all I could do to keep from weeping - or from gasping in wonder. Or from laughing, in joy, aloud. The room was silent and everyone listened intently. Then as she described, with a wry humour and even some imagined conversations, the process of transformation and affirmation God took her through, we were right there with her. 

She just told us a story.  That's all. A true story, but a story nonetheless. But the way she told it was extraordinary enough to demand the rapt attention of a full room of high school students, and to be potentially life changing for the students who most needed to hear the beautiful truth she presented.  

As I listened to some students talking about it later, I thought - this is why storytelling matters. Because lives can be changed when they hear - and understand -  and believe - the right story.