Writing Nowhere

Where do I write?  These days, nowhere.  Not in my head, not on my keyboard, not in a creative nook, not in a fancy writing office with a cantankerous cat.

Nowhere.

Life has gotten in the way.  Not an excuse for some, but it is for me.  And I’m okay with it.  This is the first time I’ve touched the keyboard in months.  How many, I don’t know.  Lost count, to be exact.  And so that’s where I am.

Nowhere.

Not developing new story ideas.  Not creating new characters.  Not writing fast drafts.

Nowhere.

Except is that really where I am?

I stop by my parents’ house.  My gaze falls on a poem I wrote to them, years ago.


We still remember where we came from
The withered birches standing tall
The dachas with their secret gardens
That rolled from summer into fall.

As children we knew very little
Of all the hardships they endured
They did not want us bearing witness
To those same struggles, as we matured.

Around the many kitchen tables
They pondered when they would live free
And during many whispered evenings
They plotted, how and when they’d flee.

While soundly we slept like children
They chose whether to leave their lives
Because they knew that staying in Russia
Would only lead us to demise.

They quickly packed up our belongings
Then took us far away from home
So that we’d never know the struggles
They had had sadly always known.

It was not Fate that gave us choices
Nor was it Her that gave us life
It was our family’s act of courage
That gave us freedom without strife.

So where am I?

Living in freedom to write about being nowhere.  That’s not nowhere.  That’s somewhere special.

Where Do I NOT Write? That is the Question

I would love to say that I have an amazing office with built-in mahogany shelves to showcase my thousands of favorite books and an antique desk that once belonged to a famous author. I’d love to say I have an ergonomic chair that helps my posture and my walls are decorated with inspirational posters about writing.

But, yeah, that’s not what I have.

Instead, I write wherever I can. I start off in a chair in my living room while I have my morning coffee, celebrating the amazing words I’d crafted the day before. When my back starts to cramp in that chair, I head to the kitchen table. This is provided I can find a clear spot. During the school year, I usually have to shove projects and books to the side to make way for the laptop. With five kids, that can be a lot of shoving. I need to sponge off sticky residue from either glue or jelly. Or both. And I certainly never swear while I’m cleaning my writing area. Never.

Once I get comfortable in the wooden kitchen chair, I sometimes—almost never because I’m a writer and writers write—I might check social media very, very quickly. It rarely takes any time out of my day. I might pop on Hangouts just to see what some of my writing groups are up to. I certainly never get sidetracked by things that are not writing-related. I would never discuss inappropriate couches or clown erotica or mating rituals of insects. And if a swarm of Dragonflies (Golden Heart finalists from 2015) jumps on here to dispute that, well, they’re just flat-out fibbing. I never look at the time on my phone and realize that two hours have gone by without writing a word. That never happens. Never.

But if it did, I would want a new location to jumpstart those creative juices. That’s when I usually head up to my bed. I stack the pillows behind me to get comfy, then I hunker down and write ALL THE WORDS. I power through, not tempted by the television. Not tempted to throw things in my Amazon Prime cart. Not tempted to research anything that could take me down the rabbit hole. That never happens. Never.

Later in the afternoon my kids start yelling up the stairs that I need to be ready to take them to soccer. That’s when I slip my laptop into my Vera Bradley bag and schlep it out to my minivan. I usually brainstorm my next chapter all the way to my destination, and then as soon as I park, I whip out my laptop and don’t waste even a minute of my writing time. Usually the words are flowing and I’m way in the zone when my kids head back to the van after practice. I never leave my laptop in that cute little Vera Bradley bag while I talk to other soccer moms or text my writing friends. That never happens. Never.

I’ve written pretty much everywhere. I’ve written in bleachers. I’ve written on a large quartz rock at a park. I’ve written in restaurants and coffee houses. I’ve written on my upraised knee, standing in line at the DMV. This I did recently on my birthday since I may or may not have forgotten that my driver’s license expired on the day I turned…well, on the day I turned 33. Again.

For the most part, it’s not really important WHERE you write. It’s only important that you WRITE.

Where’s the craziest place you’ve ever written? And do you have a special place that makes those words flow? If so, share.

www.kimmaccarron.com Twitter: @KimMacCarron

www.kimmaccarron.com
Twitter: @KimMacCarron

Kerri’s Summer TV

Winter is finally here!!!

Winter is finally here!!!

All summer long, we're talking about our favorite TV. Just like TV, I thought I would get all visual. So please enjoy this video with my summer television pleasures....

 

Tell us in the comments what shows you’re watching this summer…. Happy viewing!

 

Summer TV: Guess What I’m Binge-Watching

Television. There used to be a time when television offered nothing in the summer but reruns. Those days ended with cable TV and a slew of platforms from which you can view most anything. Then came Queen Netflix and the phrase BINGE-WATCHING entered into the modern-day lexicon.

nintchdbpict000266131446So, this long weekend, I did some binge-watching. And, if you haven’t guessed by the photos, I’ll tell you about two shows as diametrically opposed as two shows can be. Both of which I either have recently binged on or am in the process of binge-watching.

First, I’ll talk about the show I’ve completed. “Victoria” on the BBC is a tour-de-force for an actress I ‘hated’ in Doctor Who. Yes, I’m saying it here: Jenna Coleman is suburb as the feisty, romantic, stubborn Queen Victoria and I can’t wait for season two.

I also will admit that the love story between her and Prince Albert kept me on the edge of my seat (and I know history, I visited Windsor Castle last time I was in England). Definitely, helps the binge-watching gene when a great love story is part of the action.cast-of-hbo-series-the-wire-went-to-baltimore-to-reenact-scenes-from-freddie-gray-protests

Now, for the other show I’ve been mesmerized by – and yes, I’m very late to this party. I had never watched “The Wire”. The five-season show that was widely heralded during its heydays from the moment it debuted in 2002 (and ended with its fifth season in 2008). Of course, I’d heard about the love generated by Idris Elba’s performance (and okay, he was as fine a fine-looking man then as today. Le-sigh and then some). Anyway, the grit, the dialogue, the story lines–tough, gritty television at its best. Much love, and highly recommended. Okay, those are my TV recs. And watch out for me in the fall at HEA USA Today, talking all things Outlander on Starz when Droughtlander 2.0 finally returns! Now go watch TV (or just keep writing good stories, I read, too:)…

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My Favorite Place to Write: Dana Rodgers

IMG_1171Over the years I have written many places, at home, in the car, at my kids’ various practices and rehearsals, on vacation, at the occasional restaurant or café during my lunch hour, even on an airplane. But the place I enjoy writing the most is at home in the sunroom off of my kitchen. The room is cozy and the windows offer lots of natural light. I love to get up early and put some yummy bread or pastry in the oven to bake. Then I can snuggle in the recliner with my favorite blanket or sit at the bar savoring the enticing smells while I work on my latest story.
The atmosphere helps to inspire me and, when the occasional bout of writer’s block happens to descend, I can let my mind wander and maybe catch a glimpse of one of the bald eagles that live near my house or a deer munching on some nice tender stalks of grass in the yard.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

Girl on the Verge, Nora Roberts, Carpaccio, Camping & More

The Mermaids are going nuts today. Why? Because it’s one of our most favorite days in the lagoon. One of our fishy sisters has a book release!!! [Insert Glitter Toss]

We are so excited for Mermaid-Pintip and her new book, GIRL ON THE VERGE. All the info is below. But first, allow me to share my favorite Pintip-memory. A couple years ago, we were at the fabulous Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD, home to romance novel queen, Nora Roberts. There’s an entire room devoted to all of Nora’s books and that’s where Pintip and I discovered our shared love of Nora books, specifically the old 1990s and early 2000s collection. We’re talking Calhoun sisters, MacGregors, Stanislovskis, etc. I think we talked about these wonderful books for about an hour. Continue reading

Where do I Write?

Hiya lagoon! Pintip Mermaid here to talk to you about my favorite writing places….

Mermaid post writing place

 

Medium on which I write: my cell phone! I’ve written and revised my last six novels entirely on my cell phone, with the screen locked in portrait position, so that the keys are close enough together to tap without pain

 

Most unusual place I’ve written: flat on my back underneath a glass coffee table, with my laptop open and facedown on the glass, dictating into my microphone

 

Most productive place I’ve written: in the car, at the parking lot library, for eight entire hours. Two words: no distractions!

 

Most regular place I write: on the recliner in my bedroom, since the neck and shoulder support is good when my fibromyalgia flares up

 

Most chaotic place I’ve written: Today! At the kitchen table at my friend’s house, with five kids, one toddler, and one dog running around, making slime, eating lunch, and playing games — one with pink eye, one with a broken collarbone, one with a stomach bug, and one with a bruised pinky toe. The injuries weren’t my fault, I swear!

 

Place where I’ve written the longest number of consecutive hours: on the airplane to Thailand (which includes the layovers). I wrote for 20 hours straight.

 

Oh, and guess what? This is unrelated to the post, but I just finished my second-round edits for SEIZE TODAY, the the conclusion of my FORGET TOMORROW series!!!! WHEEE!!!!!!

 

What are your favorite places to write? Let me know in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear!!!

My Favorite Writing Spot: Alethea Kontis

Alethea Kontis at HomeHello, the Lagoon!

Alethea Mermaid here! I’m kicking off our latest blog theme, which asks the question, “Where’s your favorite place to write?”

My answer: HOME.

There are many reasons for this, including: a grand library, a hand-me-down couch, a boatload of inspirational quotes, and the petrified body of my first best friend.

Click below to watch the complete video!
Support Alethea on Patreon!
Follow Alethea on Amazon!

YA Scavenger Hunt–ARE YOU READY???

In June, the Alliance of Young Adult Authors is sponsoring a massive young adult scavenger hunt. This is a chance to meet some new authors, grab a bunch of free books, and sign up to win a whole bunch of epic prizes!

RULES

Each author will be given a special keyword, which will be bolded and all caps like this: BUTTERFLIES.

All you have to do is visit all the author’s sites in this order, write down the special keywords to discover the short story, then enter the giveaway with the completed secret legend HERE.

There will be one main giveaway for the main prize, but most of the participating authors will also have smaller giveaways for free books, amazon credit and author swag, so make sure you read their post carefully to see what else they’re offering while you’re on their site for the keyword.

THE MAP (participating authors)

  1. Cindy Ray Hale
  2. Katherine Bogle
  3. Melle Amade
  4. David Kudler
  5. A.M. Yates
  6. Alethea Kontis
  7. Stevie Rae Causey
  8. Katlyn Duncan
  9. Debbie Manber Kupfer
  10. Meredith Rose
  11. N.M. Howell
  12. Lara Ann
  13. K.M. Robinson
  14. J.A. Culican
  15. Heather Karn
  16. Rob L. Slater
  17. Dylan Keefer
  18. Sarah K. Wilson
  19. L.J. Higgins
  20. Gina Marie Long
  21. Em Kazmierski
  22. Travis Hall
  23. Heather Young-Nichols
  24. Anna Santos
  25. J.L. Weil
  26. Jo Schneider
  27. Rebecca Fernfield
  28. Kristin D. Van Risseghem
  29. Martine Lewis
  30. Tara Benham
  31. Stacy Claflin
  32. Beth Hammond
  33. Erica Cope
  34. Nicole Zoltack
  35. Char Webster
  36. Sabrina Ramoth
  37. T.J. Muir
  38. Raquel Lyon
  39. Beth Rodgers
  40. S.L. Beaumont
  41. Eva Pohler
  42. Melanie McFarlane
  43. Cheryllynn Dyess
  44. Audrey Rich
  45. Amanda Zieba
  46. Sandie Will
  47. Elle Scott
  48. Angie Grigaliunas
  49. Ashley Maker
  50. Mandy Peterson
  51. Audrey Grey
  52. Elisa Dane
  53. Amy McNulty
  54. Melinda Cordell
  55. Monica Leonelle
  56. Claire Luana
  57. Frost Kay
  58. Preeti C. Sharma
  59. Bentz Deyo
  60. April Wood
  61. Lena Mae Hill
  62. Angel Leya
  63. Wendi Wilson
  64. Wendy Knight
  65. Chogan Swan
  66. Tamara Hart Heiner
  67. Norma Hinkens
  68. Patti Larsen
  69. Megan Crewe
  70. Jamie Thornton
  71. Jessie Renée
  72. T.A. Maclagan
  73. Lydia Sherrer
  74. Phyllis Moore
  75. P.D. Workman
  76. J.A. Armitage
  77. K.N. Lee
  78. Angela Fristoe
  79. Rhonda Sermon
  80. G.K. DeRosa
  81. Erin Richards
  82. Ali Winters
  83. Larissa C. Hardesty
  84. Kristine Tate
  85. Debra Kristi
  86. Bella Rose
  87. Cortney Pearson
  88. Jeff Kohanek
  89. Kristal Shaff
  90. Rachel Morgan
  91. Emma Right
  92. C.L. Cannon
  93. Joanne Macgregor
  94. Lindsey Loucks
  95. Farah Kuck
  96. Erin Hayes
  97. Jesikah Sundin
  98. Dorothy Dreyer
  99. Danielle Annett
  100. C.J. Ethington
  101. L.C. Hibbett
  102. Madeline Dyer
  103. Katie John
  104. Nicole Schubert
  105. Rachel Medhurst
  106. Tee G Ayer
  107. May Freighter
  108. Heather Dyer
  109. Jen Minkman
  110. J.L. Gillham
  111. Karen Tomlinson
  112. Kate Haye
  113. Megan Linski
  114. Martina Billings
  115. Jo Ho
  116. Brian King
  117. Inna Hardison
  118. Rachel Bateman
  119. Sally Henson
  120. J.L. Hendricks
  121. A.L. Knorr
  122. T.M. Franklin
  123. Konstanz Silverbow
  124. felisha Antonette
  125. Jake Devlin
  126. S.F. Benson
  127. Laurie Treacy
  128. Emily Martha Sorensen
  129. Leia Stone
  130. T. Rae Mitchell
  131. J. Keller Ford
  132. Kat Stiles
  133. Jessica Hawke
  134. Elyse Reyes
  135. Sophie Davis
  136. Bianca Scardoni
  137. Jenetta Penner
  138. David R. Bernstein
  139. Olivia Wildenstein
  140. Derek Murphy

Starts June 1st!

Just go through the “treasure map” above to find the keywords and reconstruct the secret legend. Once you’ve got it, enter for the grand prize HERE. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for other giveaways or free books as you search for the keywords, most authors will be offering their own prizes as well.

For rules, updates or trouble-shooting, make sure to check out this main post which will stay updated.

TIMELINE

Authors will post the rules and the full list of participating authors sometime in June, and have their post up and visible on their site/blog, with their keyword, by June 1st. Readers just need to go through the list, find the words, and use the story to enter for the grand prize.

 

Bayside Blogger Causes Huge Splash Over Sparkly New Romance Novel!

Bayside Blogger dishes with the MermaidsHi there, Waterworld Mermaid Lagoon. Bayside Blogger here. My little gossip birdies (you know who you are) tell me that one of these so-called “Mermaids” has a new book out. That’s right. Nora Roberts-wannabe, Kerri Carpenter, just released Falling for the Right Brother. Who wants to fall for the right brother? My cute little stiletto-wearing self would more than likely go for the wrong brother. Wink, wink.

Rumor has it Kerri wrote two more books in this series. Even bigger rumor is that this series is all about…moi. Gasp! Now, who would be interested in little ole mascara-clad, gossip-loving, fabulous me? Snort. The real question, dear Mermaids, is who wouldn’t be?

While you try to learn who I really am, I’ll just go about my business and tell you that someone’s back in town. That’s right, little Ellie Owens has returned home. She goes by Elle now and is quite changed from the nerdy little mouse who was in love with Jasper Dumont back in high school. Nicknames aren’t the only things that are different. Elle has been spotted all around town with Jasper’s older and totally hot and sexy brother Cam. Hmmm, stay tuned for more on this developing story. Continue reading