Keira's World

Twilight Seeker asks: This is about writing environment. Where do you write? Can you write anywhere or do you have to be in a certain space set up a certain way? Do you think having a dedicated writing space is beneficial?Desert Poet Asks: I’ve only been writing fanfic for about three years. One of the things I’ve struggled with is editing my own work before sending it off to an alpha reader or a beta. I have gotten better with time and practice, but I wanted to ask if you have any tips for learning to edit your own work?

I'm not gonna lie -- I judge the shit out of you based on what you read, what you write, and what you pretends outrages you on Facebook.

Tonight, Jilly's going to create an original male character from the bones up.Content warning: Bad guy creation, serial killer dicussion.

Tonight I'm going to create an original male character from the bones up and I'll write a short (or two) about him on The Workshop this weekend and they'll appear on my site as well.

I'm going to explore two questions tonight:Akane asks:  What's the difference between dividing a 100k book into chapters and a 100k season into episodes?Writing  Hitsuzen asks: I was wondering if you could dedicate an episode or part of one to tips on how to tell if an idea is too large for a given word count?

Background: Atlantis is within 100 years of being destroyed due to failing power. Two of the city crafters decide to ensure the city survival. They descend into human form,  marry and have 4 children. Four Ancients are needed to unlock and reclaim the city, including activating the city AIs which hold the secrets of Atlantis. Emma Sheppard dies in an accident when the boys are 9-14. Setup: John is recruited to be the military commander for the expedition. He and his 3rd brother, Alex, are part of the original expedition. Patrick Sheppard dies while the expedition is cut off from Earth. David Sheppard raises holy hell trying to find his siblings. Eventually, Jack O’Neill reads them in, including that they’re working on reinforcements for Atlantis. David and Matthew both join the mission. David goes with the reinforcements through the gate, Matthew travels on the Daedalus as a  pilot. When the brothers are in the control room together, they’re asked if they want to claim the city. Major plot points:When the brothers claim the city, the mask on their DNA is removed. They’re fully AncientTensions rise with the SGC command (Landry) when they refuse the order to hand over control of the city to the IOA’s choice. They also refuse the order to be recalled to EarthSGC tries to force the issue. They are unsuccessful in getting control of the city because of the AIsParents make an appearanceAll four brothers resign from the military and try to negotiate with the SGC and the IOA for Earth personnel to continue to staff the cityEverything seems to be settling down, but assassins are sent on the next Daedalus runMayhem ensues

Tonight's guest, Jilly James, will be plotting during the podcast. Participation in the chatroom is welcome BUT don't be an asshole so if the Drifter says no to your idea -- do not keep harping on it.What does "plot drift" mean? It means I give myself or a guest a prompt and they plot on the fly without any prep. This will open up their thought process and allow you to learn how to explore and build a plot yourself in a very organic way.You do not have permission to use this plot for your own writing. Period.

morey971 asks: Hi Keira,A few podcasts ago you mentioned a series called "The Pleasure Club" from the publisher Cobblestone Press. I noticed that this series or group of works are written by many different authors. My have several questions, listed below, that have to do with these types of works and how a collection like this might be different in the publishing process than say getting an original work published.Thank you for your time!1. Can a new author come up with an idea and present it to the publisher for these types of books, or is it more common for the publisher to approach a writer that's already established with that publishing company?2. Do the publishers give out guidelines on how these books are supposed to be written or how they work?3. Is the writing process for this type of series different than say a normal submission to a publisher?4. Have you ever written for a collection like this? if so, what was your experience like?5. Have you ever heard of a writer using these collections as a way to "get their foot in the door" so to speak?6. Is there anything else you would like to share about works being written for a collection like "The Pleasure Club"? http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/line/pleasureclub.htm

In the midst of rereading TTB (for the nth time!) I found myself wondering where you get your ideas from, and how you are able to turn them into stories.  You've said before that you're a romantic writer and that you love happy endings, but would it possible for you to explain your process of getting from a germ of an idea to 'wow, I have to write that!' or even 'I've nailed that sucker!'?  You did a little of it in your plot drifts (which were wonderful) but how on earth do you come up with such different ways of describing a love story?Thank youDaisyx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots PS - I'm tired of thinking up short pitches so from now on my short pitch will be: For Fuck's Sake

You don't need anyone's permission to write or to post your work.You don't need anyone's approval to enjoy your own writing.Validation from others is empty.