CA_Hawthorne

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

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, 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, 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, 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.

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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.

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CA_Hawthorne, 22 days ago to random

Good day!

The weather took a wrong turn at some point. This morning when I walk, it’s supposed to be 40°F (4.4°C), and that’s before factoring in strong winds and occasional drizzle.

Regardless, I WILL walk—and then enjoy a hot drink.

Like yesterday, I’ll fit cleaning in and around editing. The satisfaction afterwards with both always lifts my heart.

It’s easy to forget the little things that elevate us, letting them slip away.

Be everwell.

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CA_Hawthorne, 23 days ago to random

Good day!

This morning promises mild temperatures for my walk. Clouds have moved over, rain is moving in, & the wind is kicking up, but I embrace variety.

This is my fifth day editing Book-2. Originally drafted while extremely ill, the chapters are a list of insertions, a collection of corrections. Seeing it come together as a whole more powerful than its parts is thrilling.

Always my writing gives back & I’m grateful.

Be everwell.

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CA_Hawthorne, 26 days ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 02
extensive rewrite while drafting

The closest I've come was in Jan 2018.

I started Stealing Light in Tharlise’s POV. Realizing Vista's importance, I switched it to her POV. It didn't work. In 2019, I switched between mother & daughter. It worked.

The experience taught me about my process.

Otherwise, no. I work off a loose, narrative outline that keeps that from happening. Now, if an opening doesn’t work, I simply work in a new one.

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CA_Hawthorne, 27 days ago to random

Good day!

Yesterday, new snow accumulated on the higher peaks around the city. This morning, it’s below freezing. Mountain weather is unpredictable.

Today I begin the targeted edit on A River in Each Hand (Book-2). The project is open in Scrivener & waiting for me. First, though, I’ll walk, then edit my blog post.

Be everwell.

#Today #WritingLife #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

CA_Hawthorne, 28 days ago to random

Good day!

So, after a too-mild winter, this morning we had snow in the air. Yes, it’s below freezing outside. I’ll have to bundle-up when I head out for my walk this morning.

Nature doesn’t care. Squirrels are chasing one another. Birds are building nests.

I’ve a weekly blog post to draft this morning. Tonight, I’ll prep for targeted editing on A River in Each Hand on May 1st. It promises to be a busy month.

Be everwell.

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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, 29 days ago to writing

#WordWeavers 29
shame

This is beyond simple.

Riparia excels at feeling shame, justified or not.

When you’re someone who feels responsible for fixing everything you have to fail at something. Thus, the shame. She’s also poor at delegating or enlisting aid.

This is why, as Book-1 opens, she spends as much time alone as possible. She thinks that isolation will keep responsibility away.

And then, in one night, the life she’s avoided all catches up to her.

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CA_Hawthorne, 29 days ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 29
sharing

Only my last name, which I share with great-uncle Nathaniel. 😉

The full name at the top of this post appears on my birth certificate & passport. If you Google it, I appear.

It isn’t, though, my birth name, which I never, ever share (I changed it before having an internet presence).

Thus, I have three names, all chosen by me, all with personal meaning, and, yes, I chose my last name because of great-uncle Nathaniel.

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 month ago to writing

#WordWeavers 24
socioeconomic classes

I do.

Economic diversity is real freaking life, & makes for great stories because it can create bonds, cause conflict, & provide allow character growth. In fantasy, it provides a broader insight into the world.

In Kovenlore Chronicles, the economic spectrum is shown, along with the good & bad. In fact, the core group that works together to save the nation spans the spectrum.

I'm all about people working together.

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 month ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 24
altering novels

That’s censorship & sanitizing history at the same time. The only person who can approve altering a book is the author. Whitewashing old novels teaches ignorance.

Educate people, make them critical thinkers. Don’t insulate them from reality. Use content warnings & footnotes.

Words are ideas. What’s next? Does “slavery” become “lifetime employment?” Does the Holocaust become “mandatory life departure?”

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 month ago to random

Good day!

I’ll walk this morning before the worst of the wind we don’t normally suffer arrives.

Then, the future holds, like yesterday, a lot of small tasks in this window between major edits. On May 1st, I start A River in Each Hand.

I do so much better when facing down a major project or crisis, though I’m not in the market for a crisis. I’m a doer, and doer’s have to do, even if what they’re doing won’t change the world.

Be everwell.

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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.

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CA_Hawthorne, 1 month ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 05
best writer thing

Going there.

It’s a rare, too often under-appreciated, gift to travel with a thought.

My thoughts take me to Ontyre.

I’ve explored a cavern beneath the Falls of Kryorphia. I’ve witnessed the towers of Duskspell rising above the clouds from an airship. I’ve followed a gentle soul who has no business saving a nation, the effort ripping the soul from her body.

Soon, I’ll write tickets so others can travel, too.

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CA_Hawthorne, 2 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 13
inspiration…

*I only do this hashtag regularly because it asks relevant questions concerning craft & works. Thank you.

There are occasional moments when a question, or someone else’s answer, provides a flash of insight, & seeing that happen for others is heartwarming.

WCC is now part of my pre-sunrise routine like coffee and morning mindfulness. Inspire ideas & provide motivation? Not really. I have those in abundance already.

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CA_Hawthorne, 2 months ago to writing

#WritersCoffeeClub 08
1st lines

1st lines are hooks & promises, stories are for remembering, still:

“She dreamed in grey, the color of misery.”
Beverly Lee — The Making of Gabriel Davenport (indie author)

A classic:
“It was a pleasure to burn."
Ray Bradbury — Fahrenheit 451

My WIP:
“Dropping from the saddle before Doppla had halted, Riparia Dellbane sprinted to the smoldering body in the street.”
— Trust in the Forgotten

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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, 3 months ago to writing

#WordWeavers 22
joy from my own work

You bet it does! If it didn’t, I wouldn’t do it. Writing is the ONLY “job” I’ve ever had that was truly for me.

My characters come to life & thrive. That act alone is an under-appreciated gift.

The ability to •create• is its own magic.

The early, rough draft brings the joy of creation & potential. Later drafts bring the satisfaction derived from enhancing the story until it far exceeds my original vision.

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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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