CA_Hawthorne

CA_Hawthorne, 3 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 30
not my thing, subjectively speaking…

Over the last decade, I’ve focused on reading that which most influences my writing. I read wide, but typically pass on cozies, erotica, hard sci-fi, & anything that’s preachy.

It’d be more accurate, though, to say that I avoid certain content like graphic violence, lengthy/numerous fight scenes, explicit sex scenes, poor writing & probably more that I’m forgetting.

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CA_Hawthorne, 15 days ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 13
AI crossing the line

It never crosses the line.

Humans using it cross the line.

If it tells the writer a sentence is wrong, that’s fine. If the writer substitutes the sentence AI provides, that’s the line crossed.

And that's just the little stuff.

I shouldn’t have to explain this.

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CA_Hawthorne, 10 months ago to hiking

In 2009, illness ended graceful aging. It ended writing. Life became feebleness, forgetfulness, & oxygen tanks. Oxygen deprivation stole. A prolonged Prednisone overdose took the rest.

I fought. For 7 years.

I reclaimed biking, walking, & writing. I added meditation & yoga. Now, I’m reclaiming the 1 piece of my childhood I dearly missed: nature. With that comes a reason to take pictures again—or be in them.

#AmWriting #WritingCommunity #Hiking #Aging #HealthyLiving #NaturePhotography #Montana

CA_Hawthorne, 19 days ago to random

Good day!

The weather starts inching towards mild today.

Time to finish Chapter 73. I was dragging yesterday after an awful night’s sleep. This morning, I feel refreshed and eager to attack whatever comes my way.

Owing to drafting Book-2 while gravely ill in late 2016, the story is a patchwork of chapters added at various times. This chapter, the latest, was added 14-months ago.

In the end, it’s the polished whole that matters.

Be everwell.

#Today #WritingLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

CA_Hawthorne, 3 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 27
betas

I have four criteria: 1) I know them well, 2) I trust them, 3) they read, & 4) they’re interested in my work. I’ve no such person at present.

I’ve acted as a critique partner. The experience ranged from unforgettable to wishing I could forget.

That I’ll beta read only? Highly unlikely. I’m short on time, &, as a writer, I can’t •just• beta read anymore. If you ever read my self-critiques, you’d know what I mean.

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CA_Hawthorne, 4 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 19
naming (part 2)

This is a bit off topic, & a personal quirk, but I won’t write a character without a name. To me, they have no identity. Later changing a name can lead to major revisions.

Is this crazy? It’s absolutely crazy, but I find it encouraging that I embrace the character’s identity.

Example: Riparia wasn’t Riparia in Book1. I changed her name before drafting Book4. It cost me months, but was oh so worth the effort.

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 month ago to random

Good day!

Spring has sprung here, though it’s supposed to cool off tomorrow. It doesn’t matter, the trees are budding, including beloved Birchy (yes, I name the trees on my walk).

Yesterday, I finished the targeted edit on Trust in the Forgotten as planned. That’s a huge milestone.

This is the day I’ll setup Medicare Part D to start in May with the rest. Last month, the state took Medicaid away so, which wasn’t ideal. 😆

Be everwell.

#Today #WritingLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

CA_Hawthorne, 5 months ago to writing

#WordWeavers 22
why write a book?

What else was I to do with my imaginings?

It started when still in the grasp of my English inadequacies in school because I learned differently. Stories kept surfacing, but everyone had convinced me that I couldn't write them.

So, by the time I was eight I’d mastered daydreaming.

It’s a chicken & egg scenario. Did my desire to escape my life train my brain to escape into story or did the innate ability aid escaping? 🤔

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CA_Hawthorne, 9 months ago to writing

I've two writing projects going on at the moment.

My primary project is a Novel Scan on Trust in the Forgotten, Kovenlore Chronicles Book 1 (I'm big on naming my novel editing stages). This is late stage editing.So, yeah, this one is a big deal.

My secondary project is an initial edit on a related short story intended for my website soon, The Voice that Cries.

Meanwhile, this is corresponding with our cooling weather, especially in a few days.

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CA_Hawthorne, 5 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 15
trim sizes

When I published poetry back in 2014, it was 6x9. Beyond that, I don’t have enough experience to have a strong opinion—other than what matters to me is the content.

*Bonus answer:
Paperback writer.
Paperback writer.
Dear Sir or Madam will you read my book,
It took me years to write will you take a look,
It’s based on a novel by a man named Lear…

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CA_Hawthorne, 10 months ago to writing

A path through a recovering forest, the contrast between damaged and dead old growth surreal against the abundant new growth coming to life. There was an unnerving beauty about it, though it didn't make for much shade.

As a writer, this is something I'll want to remember. Forests aren't always pristine. In an instant, a new, invaluable experience was added to my writing.

#AmWriting #WritingCommunity #Writing #Hiking #Hike #Nature #NaturePhotography #Photography #Forest

CA_Hawthorne, 7 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 25
Oxford comma...

Personally?

I’m pro Oxford comma.

Always.

It's clearer, which aids the reader.

Always.

When I die, they’ll find one in my cold, dead hand. 🤨

😆
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CA_Hawthorne, 6 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 10
biggest mistake

Dishonest writing.

Already, fearing what my own words would reveal, I’d not written for decades.

Then, I did.

Because I denied my identity, it was impossible to write from an honest place. Instead, it was me pretending to be someone else & that person pretending to write what that pretend person would write.

Sound like a complicated mess? It was. The irony is that in trying to write, all the walls fell.

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CA_Hawthorne, 6 months ago to writing

#WordWeavers 15
favored sense

I’m a visual person. I enjoy amateur photography, drawing, & would probably paint if I had the time. I tend to see patterns, even in plots.

I do, though, strive to include all the senses.

After sight, I lean on sound, touch, smell, taste, usually in that order, but not always. I’ve done scenes where characters can’t see and have to rely on sound. I enjoy those. I often have to add more smell & taste during editing.

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CA_Hawthorne, 9 months ago to writing

I did it!

It took six freaking weeks, but I finally turned my dumpster fire book into (basically) the tale I wanted to tell. It took too long, but I'll cut myself a break because I'm not a summer writer.

I cut, drafted, edited, & even rearranged. The mishmash approach made it difficult to find any rhythm.

It's done (for now). Time to move on...starting with a hike today, which always clears my mind.

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CA_Hawthorne, 3 months ago to writing

#WordWeavers 31
cosplay

Early in Trust in the Forgotten, Riparia dresses like she’s homeless. After that, unfortunately, her attire, changing or not, is a [spoiler].

Style more influences Pannulus, its fashion linked to mysquanmic technology, Tyde Deco design, witch fashion (yeah, it’s a thing), & more. It’s the modern age! I’d kill for Talma Loyal’s wardrobe (& lifestyle).

It’d all require a Hollywood costume designer to make it truly distinctive.

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CA_Hawthorne, 3 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 21
emojis in writing

Is this insinuating I shouldn’t have written my entire series only using emojis? Oh, the horror! 😐 😯😲 😱

————

Seriously, in my fantasy world there aren’t smartphones or emojis so this doesn’t apply.

Were I writing contemporary fiction, my gut tells me I’d only use them if I was showing text messages. They could further convey a character’s personality.

That said, I haven’t actually done so & don’t expect to.

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CA_Hawthorne, 28 days ago to writing

#WordWeavers 30
pets

In Trust in the Forgotten (Book-1), there’s Doppla, Riparia’s horse, but it’s unfair to call her a pet. They’ve an extraordinary bond. In many ways, Doppla is Riparia’s emotional anchor & protector.

Other animals enter the series beginning in Book-2, but they’re spoilers for the most part, though I’ve mentioned Mazatta, Crimson’s crow, before.

Across all my books, there’s almost always animal characters with significant roles.

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CA_Hawthorne, 18 days ago to random

Good day!

Another day, another chapter, as I settle back into my routine today.

Still, the weather grows mild & my AllTrails app keeps sending me temptation. The trails beckon. This year, I’ll explore the trails on Blue Mountain to the west. I haven’t there in years or done serious hiking there.

Summer is always a reminder of why I live where I do. It’s literally an outdoor playground and my health is greatly improved.

Be everwell.

#Today #WritingLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

CA_Hawthorne, 11 days ago to random

Good day!

Something akin to early spring or late winter arrived today as our temperatures plummeted.

It made for an exhilarating walk this morning. There was even some drizzle. There were also few people. I saw almost no one.

Otherwise, I’m working on a yet another chapter. Today’s is short since I’ll be enjoying a rare dinner out for a special occasion.

Be everwell.

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CA_Hawthorne, 5 days ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 23
writing interference

Not much interferes with my writing unless I allow it.

That’s the place in which I find myself at this point in my life. Writing is my cub & I’m a mama bear.

There are daily chores, like cleaning, cooking, or sometimes shopping. Beyond that, some activities that I participate in, like walking, serve my writing. Others—& really, this is true of life in general—it’s all material my writing feeds upon.

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CA_Hawthorne, 9 days ago to random

Good day!

Our weather is a yo-yo. After temperatures far above average, we’ve turned cold. It’ll reach 52°F/11.1°C, but it’ll take all day to get there.

It won’t be much over freezing when I walk, & with possible showers.

My writer self finds comfort in this weather.

Today’s targeted editing chapter is the moment when my MC, after a heartfelt journey seeking details about her past, cracks open the door to the unexpected...

Be everwell.

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 day ago to random

Good day!

Our temps will become mild/warm for a couple of days. Strange year.

I’ve passed the 25% mark editing A River in Each Hand, but am suffering some burnout. The voice in the back of my head likes to remind me that if I don’t do it who will?

I’m also feeling sorry for myself over a recently passed anniversary & need to get over it.

Scheduling a break in my routine is what is needed, & I certainly have that freedom.

Be everwell.

#Today #WritingLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity