Paula Blais Gorgas » Writing

No More Free Internet?

Paula — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:27:03 +0000

Here’s an excellent article on “net neutrality.” It’s good to be informed: http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/?p=1398

And this is why I write YA novels

Paula — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:56:34 +0000

I just came across a great article on aduts reading kids books. Maryann Yin references an essay by Pamela Paul. Here’s the link: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/trends/_in_defense_of_yareading_adults_170159.asp?c=rss . Enjoy!

Character Emotions

Paula — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:11:51 +0000

A quick post just to share an amazing resource I recently discovered: THE EMOTION THESAURUS. I found this little gem in a post on one of my favorite blogs, http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/ . THE EMOTION THESAURUS is mentioned in a different post about getting inside your characters, i.e., letting readers feel the characters’ emotions, also a great post. Here’s the link: http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/2008/01/introducing-thesaurus-thursdays.html .

July Jump Start

Paula — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:55:59 +0000

Lazy, hazy summer days…It’s so easy to get in Summer Mode: work, but not too hard; play, but not too hard; relax–I really work at this one. In fact, if I keep working this hard, summer will be over and I won’t have anything accomplished. So, I decided it’s time for a Jump Start, and what better place than my Work In Progress.

WIP is a YA fantasy novel about dragons. Why dragons? I have no idea. I’ve never had any interest in these creatures, but one day a couple of months ago, the idea just popped into my head and I started making notes and doing research. I do have a granddaughter who is a dragonology expert, which has made the research a lot easier, but my imagination is still my biggest source–as usual. I’m having a great time writing this one with three chapters already finished and a synopsis in progress. I promise to post updates in my monthly blog, but I won’t talk about the book. You’ll have to wait and read it .

Here’s a bit of dragon fun though to get you in the mood. Go to Dragon Quiz and find out a bit of your own dragon history. Don’t forget to post a comment and let us know what kind of dragons are visiting my website! Happy July!

How Smart Are You?

Paula — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:20:51 +0000

Here’s a fun quiz for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Be sure and post and let us know how smart you are. And be sure and believe them when they say it’s FAST. Have fun!

Happy Writer

Paula — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:43:34 +0000

I did it! Three pages in one day! Now, I know this isn’t a major accomplishment for many writers, but for me, Queen of the Slowpokes, it’s BIG! What’s really great though is that my WIP is working. I’m enjoying the writing, having fun with it. After a five-year drought, no wonder I’m a happy writer.

“Between the dark and the daylight…”

Paula — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:05:42 +0000

Very early this morning–between 1 and 6 AM–I managed to get more writing done than I have in many days. For some reason, I woke up at 1 wide awake, so I started thinking about my current WIP, a middle grade fantasy novel. I’ll bet I made six trips into the next room to write down the ideas that kept pouring through. In fact, I discovered most of the major plot points for the book, including who is the real antagonist, clarifying a couple of names, and the all-important conclusion. What a gift! I’m tired today, but who cares? Now I can get some serious writing done. And…as if that wasn’t enough, in the middle of all this information flow, a completely different thought came to me. The words, “Chet’s wrist” popped into my head, and I suddenly realized that the reason my golfer husband’s wrist has been bothering him is because of a change he made in his left hand grip. Talk about tapping into the subconscious, or universal consciousness, or whatever. Something happened during those wee hours, and all I can say is, “Thank you!”

Leprechaun Time

Paula — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:08:08 +0000

March is the month of windy weather, flying kites, Easter baskets…and LEPRECHAUNS! March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a story about leprechauns? Check out Little Lost Leprechaun, my St. Patrick’s Day picture book about a little girl who decides to direct her family’s Shamrock Pageant.

Writing Woes

admin — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:28:44 +0000

Have you ever had a story that you couldn’t write but couldn’t stay away from either? I sure do. It’s called AMAZING GRACE, a paranormal romance novel that I’ve been trying to write for about six years. By now, I’ve had so many versions, so many changes, so many false starts, so many stops and re-starts, I’m not sure where I am, or where GRACE is either. I love the first chapter. It’s a near-death experience, and even now, six years later, I think it’s some of my best writing. But after that…yikes! I’ll bet I’ve written at least five different chapter 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Once, I got as far as Chapter 6 and decided it didn’t work at all. About two months ago, I put it away, yet again. Then, last night, either while I was sleeping/dreaming or about to go to sleep or about to wake up, I had (another) epiphany. I knew exactly how to fix chapter 2. Exciting, right? Aaaa-aagh!!! Do I want to do this to myself again? No! But I can’t help it. GRACE haunts me, and I know I won’t rest until I’ve told her story. So, I just dragged out my stack of notebooks again, opened my GRACE folder again, and I’ll probably start writing…again.

The Foxy Hens in Eerie Poteau

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:22:58 +0000

The Foxy Hens are three very special ladies with a very special talent for writing and entertaining. Paula Watkins Alfred, Jackie King, and Peggy Fielding came to Poteau yesterday to share their expertise with my local writers club, the Green Country Ruff Riters. Dressed to the hilt in colorful boas (and other things) and seated at the head of a mahogany executive table in the Days Inn Board Room, Paula, Jackie and Peggy entertained several dozen people with tales of “eerie” Poteau mixed in with sound writing advice. It was an eclectic crowd of veteran and newbie writers, their friends and families. We listened, asked questions, shared stories, ate goodies and drank coffee. The Hens made lots of friends while signing copies of their latest book, The Foxy Statehood Hens and Murder Most Fowl. Needless to say, a great time was had by all, and I thank the Foxy Hens for visiting my little corner of Oklahoma’s Green Country…which I’ve never found eerie at all. Although, come to think of it, there was that spooky incident in the first house we built in Poteau…and the ghost my husband and my cat think they see from time to time. I guess you’ll just have to come to Poteau and decide for yourself. Happy Day. Paula