There is nothing worse then reading a story that starts in a completely different place than it finishes. Your story should have three parts.
Beginning - Sets up the characters and conflict. Whatever the problem is here will be resolved at the end.
Middle - The main part of the story. The conflict that started your story should build and build until it's close to a conclusion. This is not the time to introduce new conflicts or finished/forget about the original conflict
End - The conflict should reach its climax. This is where chaos should ensue. Everything should reach the end, and then there should be a short wind down to life that will become normal once again.
Hopefully some people find this helpful when writing their stories. The very best thing you can do is to write a quick outline of the entire story, so you always know which direction your headed.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Landscapes
Landscapes can set a tone for a story like nothing else. If you can imagine where your characters are, you can feel what it might feel like there. I found this great website that has photo's, and the landscape photo's are amazing.
The website is....
www.outdoor-photos.com
Here are some examples
The website is....
www.outdoor-photos.com
Here are some examples
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
ENGLAND
I just got back from an amazing trip to England and it made me think of all kinds of stories to write. The locations there are amazing and there was another story around every corner.
The manor homes were especially cool. They completely give you an idea of location in a period piece. Look up Blenheim Palace and Lyme Park for some ides of location. Better yet, check out The National Trust and look through all of the manor homes they have. You'll be ready to write a story in no time.
Walking through the homes also gives you an idea of how people lived back then. This picture is from the Sir John Sloane Museum. It's an upstairs sitting room.
In the Tower of London, there was a Suite of Armor exhibit for Henry the VIII. Full suits of armor for men and horses were set up for everyone to see. It's hard to be able to describe armor sometimes because none of us really know what goes where unless you've studied it. But actually looking at them back a huge difference.
I took a journal while I was there and write down every single story idea if got while walking around. There are probably a hundred. You get ideas from places you see, people you hear about and just how you feel while you're in the place. I have all kinds of stories about princes and princess's just waiting to be written!
The manor homes were especially cool. They completely give you an idea of location in a period piece. Look up Blenheim Palace and Lyme Park for some ides of location. Better yet, check out The National Trust and look through all of the manor homes they have. You'll be ready to write a story in no time.
Walking through the homes also gives you an idea of how people lived back then. This picture is from the Sir John Sloane Museum. It's an upstairs sitting room.
In the Tower of London, there was a Suite of Armor exhibit for Henry the VIII. Full suits of armor for men and horses were set up for everyone to see. It's hard to be able to describe armor sometimes because none of us really know what goes where unless you've studied it. But actually looking at them back a huge difference.
I took a journal while I was there and write down every single story idea if got while walking around. There are probably a hundred. You get ideas from places you see, people you hear about and just how you feel while you're in the place. I have all kinds of stories about princes and princess's just waiting to be written!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Another Wesbite
Hey everyone. I just found another awesome website of fantasy art that's absolutely amazing. The art there is some of the best I've ever seen, and they all make the imagination go nuts with new ideas.
check it out.
Most Creative Digital Fantasy Art
check it out.
Most Creative Digital Fantasy Art
To Serve and Submit
Alright everyone. You want a really great fantasy book with a little bit of sex and romance? Well here you go. I had no idea what I was getting into when I read this book, but I ended up reading it in one sitting and now it's one of my favorite.
WARNING: Do not read it if you're sexually shy. This is not a book for young kids.
The book is written by Susan Wright and can be found pretty much anywhere. Enjoy!
WARNING: Do not read it if you're sexually shy. This is not a book for young kids.
The book is written by Susan Wright and can be found pretty much anywhere. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
New Website
For those who have read my stories, you know I like to write mostly period pieces of fantasy pieces set in castles and ancient times. I love castles and huge old manor homes, but sometimes they're hard to picture. The scale of some of these places is beyond imaginable.
I found a website that goes through the different kinds of architecture and has pictures and descriptions about some of the worlds most amazing buildings.
It's called sacred-destinations.com
If you have trouble coming up with locations for your story to take place, browse through this website for some ideas.
I found a website that goes through the different kinds of architecture and has pictures and descriptions about some of the worlds most amazing buildings.
It's called sacred-destinations.com
If you have trouble coming up with locations for your story to take place, browse through this website for some ideas.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wicked Lovely
Hey everyone. This book is the inspiration for my next story. As for as fantasy faerie books go, this one is most definitely one of the best. For those of you who don't know Melissa Marr, she has a few books already out in this series and most of them are great!
Using an existing story for inspiration is one of the greatest ways to become comfortable with writing. As soon as you can write a whole story from beginning to end and have it make sense, coming up with your own ideas and executing them is the logical next step.
Using an existing story for inspiration is one of the greatest ways to become comfortable with writing. As soon as you can write a whole story from beginning to end and have it make sense, coming up with your own ideas and executing them is the logical next step.
Monday, April 12, 2010
House of Night
Another story that I found really inspirational is the HOUSE OF NIGHT series.
Honestly, I find the series a little long window and a whole book is only a couple of days, so it feels like nothing is happening. And the dialogue is really frustrating because they characters are all bickering all the time, and nothing ever gets done. It takes them forever to come to any sort of conclusion.
But what is great about the series is the idea. The set up is really cool, and it's easy to use it to create someone entirely your own. I'm not sure I would suggest reading the books. If you like teen vampire angsty stuff than this is for you. But if not, then it's a really frustrating read. It still doesn't change the fact that while reading this, I was inspired to write a new story.
Honestly, I find the series a little long window and a whole book is only a couple of days, so it feels like nothing is happening. And the dialogue is really frustrating because they characters are all bickering all the time, and nothing ever gets done. It takes them forever to come to any sort of conclusion. But what is great about the series is the idea. The set up is really cool, and it's easy to use it to create someone entirely your own. I'm not sure I would suggest reading the books. If you like teen vampire angsty stuff than this is for you. But if not, then it's a really frustrating read. It still doesn't change the fact that while reading this, I was inspired to write a new story.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Evony
I just started playing this online game called EVONY. Now, I know some people will roll their eyes and call me a geek, but let me tell you why this game brings about a bunch of story points that would help in anyone's story.
One, it creates a beautiful fantasy world or old school setting. You can build a layout and visually see exactly where your characters could be running around.
Two, scenes of war. Having trouble writing about war and strategy? Because you have to literally build an army and go to war in this game, as well as create alliances and build loyalty and trust, this game makes it easy to understand what goes into fighting. It's easier to write something once you've experienced it in some way.
And Three, enemies. Some people, when writing, cannot rightly depict an enemy. When you get pissed at someone for attacking you in this game, that is your enemy. Remember the feeling you get of wanting revenge and hating that other person, and feed that into your story.
The game is free. Just go to to http://www.evony.com/ and sign up. It's a little confusing at first, but you catch on really quickly. And remember to build sawmills, quarry's and iron mines.
One, it creates a beautiful fantasy world or old school setting. You can build a layout and visually see exactly where your characters could be running around.
Two, scenes of war. Having trouble writing about war and strategy? Because you have to literally build an army and go to war in this game, as well as create alliances and build loyalty and trust, this game makes it easy to understand what goes into fighting. It's easier to write something once you've experienced it in some way.
And Three, enemies. Some people, when writing, cannot rightly depict an enemy. When you get pissed at someone for attacking you in this game, that is your enemy. Remember the feeling you get of wanting revenge and hating that other person, and feed that into your story.
The game is free. Just go to to http://www.evony.com/ and sign up. It's a little confusing at first, but you catch on really quickly. And remember to build sawmills, quarry's and iron mines.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Authors Notes: New Story
I'm having trouble narrowing down my focus into one story idea. I have exactly four stories that I've written the first couple of pages for just so I don't forget the idea. But I can't pick the one I want to write. I can't seem to narrow down which one will be most interesting to write. It's always a worry I have that I'll start writing, and lose interest after a couple of chapters. That's what happened to me with DARK DECEIVER. Unless I'm really passionate about a story, then it's hard to keep writing when that next good story idea hits me.
I hate the feeling of not finishing a story. DD still sort of haunts me. I really want to finish it but I just don't feel like I have the energy to figure out the story right now.
My new stories are all so different.
The first one is set in a fantasy world with Serenity possessing the power to control men through their desire for her. It's an ability that she was born with, can't always control and hates more than anything else in life. The handsome prince of the land hates her for her ability, but when their land is put in jeopardy, he has no choice but to ask for her help.
The Second is sort of a pride and prejudice era romance. Serenity is a breath of fresh air in the world of pompous women. Endymion is captivated, but she won't consider marriage at all. Things go sour when the Duke decides he wants her as his wife. Nobody goes against the wishes of the Duke.
The third is the story of Mina and Kunzite as it would have happened before Beautifully Terrifying. For those who've read that story, you'll know that it will explain what happened to Artemis and what made Kunzite leave the love of his life.
The Fourth is my ongoing story Trials of Innocence that I started writing forever ago and am slowly continuing with it. It's a really complicated story, so I'm taking my time with it. I'm far enough in to finish it, but it takes a lot of mind power to think through.
So what to do. I don't like posting unless I'm sure the story will finish, or is already finished and just needs reviewing. This is my version of writers block. To many things all at once and I don't want to forget about any of them. Frustrating!
JFrost
I hate the feeling of not finishing a story. DD still sort of haunts me. I really want to finish it but I just don't feel like I have the energy to figure out the story right now.
My new stories are all so different.
The first one is set in a fantasy world with Serenity possessing the power to control men through their desire for her. It's an ability that she was born with, can't always control and hates more than anything else in life. The handsome prince of the land hates her for her ability, but when their land is put in jeopardy, he has no choice but to ask for her help.
The Second is sort of a pride and prejudice era romance. Serenity is a breath of fresh air in the world of pompous women. Endymion is captivated, but she won't consider marriage at all. Things go sour when the Duke decides he wants her as his wife. Nobody goes against the wishes of the Duke.
The third is the story of Mina and Kunzite as it would have happened before Beautifully Terrifying. For those who've read that story, you'll know that it will explain what happened to Artemis and what made Kunzite leave the love of his life.
The Fourth is my ongoing story Trials of Innocence that I started writing forever ago and am slowly continuing with it. It's a really complicated story, so I'm taking my time with it. I'm far enough in to finish it, but it takes a lot of mind power to think through.
So what to do. I don't like posting unless I'm sure the story will finish, or is already finished and just needs reviewing. This is my version of writers block. To many things all at once and I don't want to forget about any of them. Frustrating!
JFrost
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Annie Leibovitz
The following pictures are all from Annie Leibovitz. Just looking at these pictures can give you inspiration for a new story or idea. They each, on their own, have so many tales and strong characters. Plus time periods and costumes are all there waiting for you to use.
I've created a new INSPIRATION IMAGES page at the top. I'll keep updating it will all images I find that I find inspirational.
I've created a new INSPIRATION IMAGES page at the top. I'll keep updating it will all images I find that I find inspirational.
Links
websites are an important part of how we find inspiration. On the right I have another column that links to websites that inspire me. If you have any that you think should be added, just send them to me.
Today I set up a link to Deviant Art.
Here are some examples of the amazing art on the website.
Today I set up a link to Deviant Art.
Here are some examples of the amazing art on the website.
Stories that I Love
Every once in awhile you come across a story that glues you to your seat until you're finished. At the right hand side of this page, I'm going to keep a list of the stories that I really loved.
Today I added three.
Satin Hostage: By Mockingbird Julia
Little White Lies: By freelandcechik21
Royal Flush: By Alicia Blade
After All is Said and Done: By KuteKitsune21
You can click on the stories on the right to link directly to their fanfiction story page!
If you have any stories you think need to be up there, send me the link and I'll give them a read. I have lots in my favorites that I'm going to re-read and make a decision.
Today I added three.
Satin Hostage: By Mockingbird Julia
Little White Lies: By freelandcechik21
Royal Flush: By Alicia Blade
After All is Said and Done: By KuteKitsune21
You can click on the stories on the right to link directly to their fanfiction story page!
If you have any stories you think need to be up there, send me the link and I'll give them a read. I have lots in my favorites that I'm going to re-read and make a decision.
Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore is a relatively new writer on the scene of fantasy. She has two books so far under her name, and one in the works, and she is absolutely amazing. If you're at all into fantasy, check her out.
http://kristincashore.blogspot.com
Her two books are FIRE and GRACELING
http://kristincashore.blogspot.com
Her two books are FIRE and GRACELING
Introduction
Inspiration is a tricky thing. For some, a good story sets the wheels in motion. For others, a beautiful piece of art sets the tone. For me, it's always been a mixture of everything. I have a passion for all kinds of art, and sharing it has always been something I've wanted to do.
On this blog I will post links, pictures and personal thoughts that have helped me come up with my latest ideas. Anyone who wishes to participate is of course, welcome. If you have a story that you think is beyond awesome, I'd been happy to read it and post it here for others to enjoy as well.
Any and all kinds of inspiration set our minds in motion.
JFrost
On this blog I will post links, pictures and personal thoughts that have helped me come up with my latest ideas. Anyone who wishes to participate is of course, welcome. If you have a story that you think is beyond awesome, I'd been happy to read it and post it here for others to enjoy as well.
Any and all kinds of inspiration set our minds in motion.
JFrost
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