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.

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

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.

Another Link

I found another website that has some really cool artwork.

http://www.conceptart.org/gallery/

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.

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.

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

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