Shawn L. Bird

Original poetry, commentary, and fiction. All copyrights reserved.

quote- the act is the reward August 21, 2013

Filed under: Quotations,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 3:57 pm
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Anne Lamott, in the introduction to her book Bird by Bird says,

Writing has so much give, so much to teach, so many surprises.  That thing you had to force yourself to do–the actual act of writing–turns out to be the best part.  It’s like discovering that while you thought you need the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony.  The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.

What do you think about this idea?  I know that I see more clearly when I notice the light playing on the fields when I think about how I can best capture the moment in a poem.  I know that when I create a scene between characters, it feels like my imaginary friends are just telling me about their day.  I know that I see everything as a story or a poem, but I’m not sure that the act of sitting down and typing brings me anything beyond satisfaction.  It’s not stitching together heart break (though it has).  It’s not helping me make sense of a challenging situation (but it has).  I know a supreme satisfaction from enjoying the result, but it’s discovering that result that brings it. Hmm.

How about you?  Is the act of writing its own reward for you?  Why?

 

quote- Diana Gabaldon on writing August 13, 2013

Filed under: OUTLANDERishness,Quotations,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:10 pm
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Today (August 13, 2013) on Diana Gabaldon’s Facebook page, someone asked Diana whether she finds writing easy or difficult.  She replied,

.

 Well, some days it flows and that’s great;

other days it’s like shoveling rocks uphill.

With your nose.

If you’re a writer, on your project today, do you feel like you’re shoveling rocks uphill with your nose, or does it flow?  Tell us what you’re working on!

 

anecdote- overheard August 10, 2013

Filed under: anecdotes,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 10:07 pm

Overheard at When Words Collide Writing Conference (Calgary):

“It’s strange just being at a writing conference.  I kinda miss the Klingons wandering about.”

I am at a Writing conference that emerged from what was previously a Sci-fi and Fantasy writing conference.  I have never before been around so many fantasy writers.  They are quite an interesting crowd. How so?  Well,  I suspect most of them get the jokes on the Big Bang Theory.  The Sci-Fi writers not only ‘get them’ they understand the physics and can critique it.

The fantasy writers can discuss the strategies to building religions, and crafting entire civilizations.  They are experts at “building worlds.”   To say they have imagination, is understatement.

In most crowds, I am one of the nerdiest people there.  Around here, I am not even close.  It is quite astonishing.  I am thoroughly enjoying being with creative, intelligent, unique folks!   I feel right at home.  Here are writers, editors, and publishers who appreciate the skills and challenges, offer interesting perspectives, fun ideas.  The banter and exploration is fascinating.

There is a lot of talent in this building!  Talent that changes worlds with every stroke of their pens.

A token poem-

It doesn’t feel quite right

Not a Klingon in the room

But let the writers into light

They’ll draft some very soon.

Good night from Calgary, When Words Collide 2014!

 

writing- the ultimate editing checklist July 27, 2013

Filed under: Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 5:11 pm

Here’s a great thing for writers!

http://blog.hubspot.com/ultimate-editing-checklist

 

poem- dream words July 22, 2013

Filed under: OUTLANDERishness,Poetry,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 10:12 pm
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“With a rustle of silks,”

she said into her memo

recorder,

as I was telling her

how I liked her phrase,

“caution plucked at his sleeve.”

Do other writers

consult their favourite authors

in their dreams?

.

.

“Caution plucked at his sleeve” is from chapter 83 in Diana Gabaldon’s A Breath of Snow and Ashes

 

the other side of the pitch July 13, 2013

Filed under: Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 6:24 pm

Going to stop avoiding my CampNaNoWriMo. In the meantime, you enjoy this. A funny one for authors!

Shawn L. Bird's avatarShawn L. Bird

When I attended my first writing conference- the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in 2009- I was told about The Elevator Pitch. This is the 30 second blurb about your book that establishes the protagonist, conflict, theme and audience. You need one, because every time you’re asked, “What’s your book about?” you should be able to answer concisely, in a manner that catches the person’s interest. I worked with author Carol Mason to polish mine, and when I presented it to Crystal of Gumboot Books that afternoon, it earned me a “Yes, we’d like to see more!” and eventually a contract.

I wondered at the time, what is it like for an agent, publisher or editor at these events? They’re the ones being pounced upon by every would-be writer in the building. Everyone there has something to pitch, and the APEs are the ones being pitched at. The image in my…

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the fundamental fiction

Filed under: OUTLANDERishness,Reading,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 2:01 pm
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In love with a fictional character?

Honey.

Don’t you know that

ALL

objects of our desire

are fundamentally fictional?

Courtship

is a time of great performance,

convincing the other,

showing the best face,

doing things you’ve never done

(and won’t do again)

pretending you love each moment

to impress the object of your desire.

Love is always

fictional.

We love what we wish

it to be.

If we’re lucky,

when rose lenses are lost,

what we created in dream

bears enough

resemblance to reality

that truth

becomes better

than fiction.

.

.

In response to a Tweet about all the wild Outlander fans in a tizzy about Jamie Fraser coming to life.  I was thinking how we fictionalize real people all the time.

 

living a dream with Diana Gabaldon July 12, 2013

Filed under: anecdotes,OUTLANDERishness,Quotations,Reading,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 1:14 pm
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Sam Heughan Headshot - P 2013

Sam Heughan is already charming Outlander fans and schmoozing with them via Twitter. Things are only going to get better from here for this youthful tri-athlete actor!

For the last week, I have had the privilege of being a fly on the wall as an author has a dream come true.  The Starz network signed Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series last spring, and has finally begun casting.  This week her lead character, Jamie Fraser, was cast, and the role went to Scots actor Sam Heughan.

With typical enthusiasm Diana shared her excitement  over his audition tape with her Facebook followers:

She observed how she started watching the audition tape, “and five seconds later, Sam Heughan’s GONE, and so am I.  It’s Jamie Fraser, right there in front of me, moving, talking.  One of the biggest thrills ever.”

Talk about understatement!

Of course, not everyone is able to visualize Diana’s quite explicit descriptions of what Jamie looked like at age 22 in the first Outlander book, and those people leapt up complaining about Sam’s physique, his hair, etc.  Diana firmly and unequivocally put them in their place.  (A hilarious blog about the whole storm  on Thatsnormal.com if you want the details)

Meanwhile, Diana took to Twitter and started messaging Sam Heughan (like many in the Outlander world!) Sam is embracing the enthusiasm of his army of new fans and he and Diana are carrying on a public flirtation for the whole world to see.

I am so thrilled for her.  I suppose this is how Stephenie Meyer felt when Rob Pattison was cast to become Edward in the Twilight movies.  Bad makeup and a low budget probably couldn’t kill her buzz either.  I’m sure when Charlaine Harris first saw Anna Pasquin bring Sookie Stackhouse to life she was equally thrilled (Sookie be damned, how about the perfect choice of Joe Manganiello to be  Alcide Herveault?! Be still my heart!).  Both Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse series took some serious deviations from the original plots.  No matter.  How amazing must have been those first halcyon days when the incarnate word was made flesh!

Starz has a budget and a social media savvy author who is sharing her excitement with a legion of fans.  The buzz is amazing.  On one hand, I feel very sorry for all the companies over the years that optioned the rights to make a movie or TV series out of this story and then had them lapse before funding could be put together.  Foolish money men.  You will see what you missed!  On the other hand, I think Tall Ship Productions and Ron Moore are going to do Diana’s work proud.  They know very well that rabid fans are going to be unforgiving if they screw up Diana’s story!

The absolutely best part of this, what has me grinning constantly and bouncing around my house, has been the fun of watching Diana in the absolutely giddy excitement of seeing her character come to life.  I can hardly wait until she gets to go on set and meet all the cast!

Some day, perhaps, I’ll get to see my Grace, Ben, Marco, and Alex become flesh.  In the meantime, I’m living vicariously through Diana, and I’m enjoying every minute!

Diana on Sams audition

 

Poem-book journeys July 11, 2013

Filed under: Poetry,Reading,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 7:30 pm
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MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

I’ve travelled roads I’ve never walked

Leapt chasms I’ve not seen

Met madmen, trolls, and dreamers, and

watched lovers, lairds and queens.

I’ve journeyed to the future, friend

and I’ve explored the past

I’ve heard the thoughts of robots, dogs,

slaves, aliens and rats.

I’ve been around this great wide earth

and fantastic worlds, too

I’ve lived a thousand lifetimes, and

I’ve swum in oceans blue

A magic travel agency’s

in pages if you look.

Explore lives you’ve not imagined,

Come sit  and read a book.

 

So, whatcha writin’ in that NaNoWriMo thing, anyway?

Filed under: Grace Awakening Myth,Writing — Shawn L. Bird @ 12:23 pm
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In November, when I was actually on track with my NaNo writing, I had a few gems that still make me happy. This book is now with the editor (who has gone to Europe for 2 weeks, and abandoned me!) Thought I’d share this with you, in the hopes that it will inspire today’s Camp NaNo efforts to get more than 500 words a day, which is all I’ve been managing so far! (Arg). Enjoy.

Shawn L. Bird's avatarShawn L. Bird

Thought you might like to see what’s coming along.  Ben is now at University of Calgary with his friends Paul and Ryan.  (Craigie Hall is the music building). Grace is living in the Shuswap with her Auntie Bright.  If you’re new to the story, you should know that Grace and Ben are connected telepathically.  Ben is the earthly realm form of the demi-god Orpheus.  He’s narrating.

—————————————————————–

I was walking down a corridor in Craigie Hall when a stab of pain crashed into my head.  I staggered into the wall, and grabbed for support.

A girl rushed over to me, “Are you okay?”

I shook my head, gasping, and she guided me to a bench.  I dropped my head between my knees.  “I’ll be okay.  It’s fine.”  The pain wasn’t mine, it was reverberating from Grace.  She didn’t know yet how to completely control her side of our connection.  Her…

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