|| Three Ways Museums Make You a Better Writer ||

The day dawned at an early 7:50. For me, at least. I pressed snooze several times on my alarm, turned over in bed once or twice, and finally rolled out. It wasn't a grey day, but the wind promised a chill. 

I rushed to be ready by 8:45, when I would leave for the train station. It was the day I would venture into the city. 

The original visit was meant for frolicking around at German Christmas Market. However, one does not simply go to the city for one event. We made a few other stops. Parks, a coffee shop, and museums. 

Ah, yes. Museums. Those buildings of history and art and culture and the present and the future all combined under one roof. Beautiful things, are they not? I love museums. There's so much to see and learn--no matter how many times you visit. 

My friend and I went to a museum based off of the current state of architectural designs. We were passing by on our way to the next destination, and it was free to the public. So we thought, why not?

As we walked through this place of beauty, there was so much that struck me as story inspiration (which can be anything, really). Nonetheless, there's numerous lessons to gather from visiting a museum:

1. People-watching

This one is pretty obvious. As writers, our job is to people watch. But because it was a cold day and the museum was free to the public, there were all sorts of persons sitting around in the lobby just being them. There was this one guy who had a huge colorful crocheted hat wrapped around his hair. Trust me, this thing was ginormous--it was as if he had an animal hiding under there or something. But he just sat on one of the couches crocheting away at another project. He seemed joyful and friendly. But, being the introverted writerly sort that I am, I just observed and walked away. But that picture is stored in my mind. You can also find large groups of schoolkids running around museums, prissy higher class folks who walk around in their high heels and stand at a piece of art for fifteen minutes, and the everyday joe who meanders along whilst sipping a cup of joe. Use these people to populate your books. 

2. Setting

Museums are often works of art themselves. The architecture is intricate and often not something you see on an everyday basis. Take lots of pictures in these unique places. You never know when you'll want to pull something from a real-life setting scene to use in your fiction. Even just a detail like the gemstone colors used in the tiling. Or maybe the antique lanterns that adorned the walls. Museums are chock full of treasures like these. 

3. Inspiration

Yes, the people and setting are inspiration themselves. But the actual art or history displayed grants extraordinary amounts of plot-bunnies. One usually walks out of a museum with more knowledge than before of something. And abstract pieces of artistic genius fill the walls with questions that you can very well answer in your next novel. Jus' sayin'. 

I might have to venture to the city more often to step into another of these capsules of life.

What about you? Are there any settings/plot/characters of yours that are inspired by trips to a museum?

|| How College Makes You a Better Writer ||

It's the day after my first semester of college has been completed. I sit in partial darkness, listening to a playlist that fills me with nostalgia for some strange reason, and staring at my computer screen while white Christmas lights reflect the contemplative mood I'm currently in.


That was a strange sentence. Nonetheless, the first semester of college was like a whirlwind. I learned things I never imagined I would, had experiences I never thought would take place, and met people that I never could have possibly dreamed of meeting.

Continuing free-writing was difficult during those months of busy schedule in which my free time consisted of Netflix, taking walks, or sitting on the floor and staring into (seemingly) space. I had goals for myself, and I failed. But that's okay. Because I've learned a lot. My brain has probably expanded since I started back in August. At least it feels larger.

Classes, professors, chapel, friends, not-so-friend(ly)s, strangers, adventures, sickness.
Every single one of these things (and more) have added to my knowledge. I've grown.
And here's what I've learned:

1. People are worth your time. 
There's so much you can learn from just one person. Think about how much you can learn from the whole school. I know it's tempting to sit in your room for hours by yourself, but it's worth stepping out and actually interacting with people--or, at least, watching them from a distance.
PS: Professors make excellent inspiration. You know those quirky professors portrayed in movies? They're real.


2. There's something new to realize every single day.
Even if all you comprehend is a new existential question, that's okay. Questions like that inspire creativity. New plots, characters, and worlds can pop out of the ground from those questions.


3. Experiences make up a writer's portfolio.
I know a portfolio is considered a conglomeration of one's best work, but our brains have portfolios too, don't they? Everything you experience goes into those portfolios to be stored and dug up at a later time when your writing calls for it. That one person who when they laugh it sounds like they're about to die? Yeah, your brain kept that. Use it for a character. You were about to die within the first two months of school? Your brain kept that as well. Use it wisely.


4. Essays stretch you.
Most people hate essay writing. I don't. Writing an essay is a wonderful exercise that can cultivate voice, style, and thinking skills. We have to craft essays in such a way that our professors will give us, at least, a B. This means word choice musn't be bulky. Make it flow. Make it natural. Even if it's formal, put something of yourself in there. Ask questions. Make people think. There are endless treasures to accumulate from the adventures of essay writing.


5. Time is valuable.
It's easy to sit and watch Netflix for hours. It's easy to take naps and sleep in for hours. It's easy to sit and ponder. Good things, of course, but when you have free time...write as much as you can.
But also know it's okay to stop writing, save your work, and go on an adventure. Relationships and experiences are like gold and they will create fodder for your stories. #amwriting is an excuse that many of us use to get out of social interaction, but know when your story can be saved and go on the back burner--even if for only half an hour. If you don't make these life connections, you aren't going to have much to draw from. Live.



Have you been to college? What are some things that have aided you as a writer? Are there any certain moments that stick out to you from college?

Liebster Award Nomination

Wow! I feel blessed! Thank you, Anastasia Cross, for nominating me! :D
The Liebster Award has a special place in its...heart...for the number eleven. It's given to undiscovered bloggers to promote friendship and...discovery!

Here's the rules (you'd think there'd be eleven, wouldn't you?):

1.  Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you & add a badge to your profile.

2.  Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you.

3.  Give 11 random facts about yourself.

4.   Nominate up to 11 other blogs.

5.   Notify the nominees.

6.   Give them 11 questions to answer. 

Here's Ana's questions and my answers:

1. What is one of the best characters, in your opinion, ever (that you created if you're a writer, if not from book/movie/etc)?

Ooh, this is a tough one. I have so many that I adore. That's a good thing, right? But...I might have to say Flynn Colton. He's absolutely bonkers. In a good way, though, I think. You can find his pinterest board here: Flynn's Board

And, since I cheat at stuff like this, I'm going to list my other favorites.

Aurora Diamond is one of the main characters in my current WIP series: A Different Kind of Legacy. There's a lot of me in her...she gives me the chance to explore myself and be vulnerable. Her board is here: Aurora's Board

2. Who is your favorite villain ever? Why?

Uh, mine or not? 

Loki from the Marvel Universe is one of my absolute favorites. Tom Hiddleston does an amazing job portraying him. Loki is such a rounded character, it's fabulous. There's a lot we can learn from him for our villains. Back story, pain, motivation, etc. It's all there. 

And then my own? Einstein Voltswammer. He likes pink donuts with sprinkles. 

3. What is one of your darkest secrets? 

This piece of information is confidential. Ha. ;) Uh...hmm. This is a difficult question. I'll get back to it. 

Gosh, I still don't know. 

I don't hate Jar Jar Binks. 

4. Do you enjoy showering or is it an inconvenience? 

I like hot water and getting clean and smelling nice. However, I don't necessarily enjoy the time showering takes up. So, I enjoy the benefits, but not the procedure. 

5. What are your top 5 favorite writing blogs?

Oh goodness. Another difficult question. In no particular order:

 Inkspot  || Hullo, Ana! Well, like she said when she nominated me, we have a connection. So, yeah. ;)

 Plottinger Twist || Plottinger Twist is run by Hannah Wilson and her blog is adorable and she's super sweet.

 Writing is Home to Me || Run by R.B. Denney (or Rachel Beth). Rachel is down to earth and has a unique way in going about her posts.  

 The Storymonger || Braden runs this blog and he never fails to cause me to emit a chuckle. He's clever.

 This Incandescent Life || Emily T. Jaden has superb advice on the craft of writing! 

6. Do you prefer cake or ice cream? Pie or cheesecake?

Shoot. Warm, gooey chocolate cake with ice cream on top. Sorry, I'm not choosing. Cheesecake. Definitely cheesecake. 

7. What kind of books do you like to read the most?

Interesting books with intricate characters and plot.

8. What is your favorite fruit?

HARD QUESTIONS, ANA. *Sigh* I like strawberries a lot. But also watermelon. But then again, there's tomatoes... 

9. How fabulous are these questions?

These questions are of the utmost fabulosity. 

10. Do you approve or disapprove of social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, etc.?

I have them all. I do not disapprove except when they're used for evil means or used wrongly. 

I think they're a great way to connect with people (readers/fellow writers/family/friends), especially as I grew up a military kid, always moving was difficult...and keeping in touch more so. 

11. Long hair or short hair? Dyed or natural? Straight or curly? What do you prefer/have?

I have long, straight, natural hair. For myself, that's what I prefer. For others, it's really their choice...but I wouldn't suggest guys go with super long hair or anything. Unless they're elves or Aragorn or something.

Elven random facts about myself. 

Whoops, Middle Earth autocorrect.

1. I've lived in ten states, twelve houses, and moved twelve times in eighteen years.

2. I haven't left my dorm floor all day because my only class on Thursdays (math--yes!) was canceled so I slept in and missed breakfast and so I ate cereal and made coffee with my new French press and did homework and beta-reader stuff for Ana and blog stuff (this) and made soup for my throat because I decided to eat lunch in my room instead of going to the cafe because it's raining and everybody else already ate and I'll probably be in my room until dinner time at, like, five. 

3. I finished my soup and feel dehydrated because even though it was only half a packet of Lipton, it was salty and now I'm eating Swedish Fish my mom gave me for my birthday which was, by the way, on September 4. 

4. I drink lots of water. Probably 3-4 Nalgenes a day.

5. I'm majoring in English with a writing concentration and a minor in Intercultural Studies!

6. Mugs are amazing tools of...toolness? You can drink from em, eat from em, put stuff in em. I have this adorable Jane Austen mug I got for my birthday and it's just so cool.

7. I love the outdoors and admiring God's creation so much that I think I always have at least one bug bite.

8. Kayaking and horseback riding and camping and hiking and hammocking is where it's at. 

9. For my Eminent British Writers class we're currently reading 'Camelot Meets Zombies' AKA Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It's well written and an amazing piece of literature, but it's weird, guys. Real weird. And 'Gawain' is pronounced 'gowin'. Weird, huh?

10. It's raining. I love rain.

11. I'm called to be a missionary and a writer. Ah! 

My nominations: 

I have a feeling it will be difficult to find eleven blogs to nominate...nevertheless...

1. H.M. Wilson at Plottinger Twist

2. R.B. Denney at Writing is Home to Me

3. Hannah Heath

4. Braden Russell at The Storymonger

5. Victoria Grace Howell

6. Elizabeth Brush at What Can I Say?

That's all I have for now, y'all. 

My Elven questions to y'all:

1. When did you start writing and why?

2. Do you see yourself being a full-time writer (author) or having a different/side career?

3. What book has made the biggest impact on your life? (That you've read and written). Why?

4. Who is your favorite character? (From what you've read and written). Why?

5. What's your favorite board game and why?

6. Coffee or tea? Something else? What kind?

7. Favorite Bible verse?

8. Current WIP? What's it about? Why are you writing it? Who are the characters?

9. How's life?

10. Advice for other writers?

11. If you had a troll, what would you name him/her? 

Thanks again, Ana! This was fun! 

5 Ways to Keep Writing in College

And lo, the morning dawned bright and early at six thirty-three. A cool breeze tickled upon the rosey curtains, hinting (or maybe teasing) at fall.

Though the hour was early, my mind could not fall back to rest.
And the reasons could quitepossibly have been three.


Of course, after a long night without drinking any water, I was "dying" of thirst.
Then again, I also really had to use the restroom.

But...there was one more reason my mind was active and no longer bent to sleep's whim.
It was the day...
that I would move...
into my first ever dorm room.

A knot settled in my stomach. It was a mixture of excitement, stress, and the urge to shed tears. Yes, you can feel tears in your stomach.

Though I haven't yet started college, or...even moved in to my room yet... I have some tips for maintaining a somewhat normal writing lifestyle.

1. Know your schedule
Know when your classes are. And don't miss them (unless you're sick or something. Nobody wants your germs). Get homework done when you can. Mingle with other students. Don't neglect them.


2. Keep a planner
Write down the times of all your classes, meetings, work, due dates. And then block off time for writing when you know you'll have an hour or so.


3. Make friends
How does this help with writing, Rachel? This only keeps me from writing! I'd rather be a hermit and hide away in my room when not attending classes! No. Just no. People are your best resources. If you want to create amazing, round characters...you need to actually get to know people. Characters are people too, right? Not only does mingling help with personality, but it helps with body language, dialogue, accent, facial expressions, physical descriptions, and, like, real-life stuff...?


4. Goals
Set writing goals for yourself. (ie: a chapter in a week, a first draft by the end of the year, 2000 words in a day, etc.) Set realistic goals you know you can achieve and work towards them like they're homework and you have to turn them in.


5. Join or form a writing group
Great for brainstorming sessions, encouragement, critical advice, and accountability. Make some writerly friends! Just do it! Maybe they can even beta read for you! Keep each other accountable to your goals.

That's what I have for y'all! These are all easy, practical ways to continue writing in college. If you'd like more on this, let me know!

God Bless!

Rachel

And, of course, by the time this is actually getting published, I've already moved in to my dorm, and been at college for two days.

Please Be Weird {Creating a Fantastic Villain III}

You meet two people during the course of your day. One is talkative, eyes lighting up as they tell you about their passions, observations, and how they know at least fifteen bird calls by heart.
The other, however, keeps the conversation limited to day-to-day stuff. Weather, shopping, watching TV. Dull.

Which one is more unique? Which one is intriguing? Which one would you want to talk with again?
Uh, probably the first one.

The fact that the person knows at least fifteen bird calls is quirky.
And the most interesting people are usually the quirkiest.

I'm here today to talk about your villain.
To read the first two installments of the post series click here:
Back Story Time {Creating a Fantastic Villain I}
GIVE IT TO ME {Creating a Fantastic Villain II}



Let me just say a few things:
Please, please, please don't make your villain another run of the mill villain who spouts off their entire plan before executing it, or cackles maniacally after revealing said plan, or who's just evil for the sake of being evil. (I know we all know--or should know--these rules by now, but they're rules we need to remember.)
I'm not talking from just a writerly point of view, but a reader's as well. Anything in that list is generally a sign of laziness and/or bad character development.

Those are the boring villains. I don't like boring villains.
I'm interested in the quirky villains. I want them to act like real, interesting humans (or...whatever race they happen to be).

You might not think that well rounded, intriguing villains are important, but they can make or break your story...and your other characters. Think Loki from the Thor movies, or the Winter Soldier...they're so well developed and their actions actually matter.
And (guess what?) they have their quirks.

Maybe they're insecure, maybe they adore red squirrels with such a fiery passion that they sedate them every time they see one and take it back to their secret lair (so they end up with a menagerie of just red squirrels and they have, like 500 of them so that's why the hero needs to stop them so the red squirrels don't go extinct), or maybe they absolutely have to have coffee from their favorite coffee shop before doing anything heinous for the day (think Gru from Despicable Me--no, I am not condoning utilizing freeze rays on people just to get coffee).

It's important to give your villain quirks. If your hero has quirks, your villain should have nothing less.
If you, as the writer, have quirks, your characters should have no less.

I'm not going to type out an ol' long list of random quirks for you to pick and choose from--there's tons of resources around the internet for that. If all else fails, observe the people around you (I know, scary!)--that's the best place to get the best quirks. Real life...it's a gold mine.

Quirks are important. Quirks are human. Quirks make people lovable and rounded.

To make your villain relatable and adored by readers, they need quirks.

I mean, mine is obsessed with donuts.
And not just any donuts.
Cake donuts with pink frosting and candy sprinkles.
And my villain is a guy.
They're just really good, okay?

God Bless!
Rachel Lester

Are there any other topics regarding creating villains that you'd like me to cover?
Please comment! And it doesn't just have to be about villains. It can be about life, or your dog, or red squirrels, or your blog.

For a personal update:
Sorry I've been gone for so long! I've hardly written anything in over a month. I know, it's driving me crazy. Although college is approximately a week.5 away, I'm getting back into writing even though this next week.5 is full of packing, shopping, and VBS, I'm
trying my best to become involved again before school starts. Prayers welcomed. Immensely.