Caribbean Bound!
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WHAT I'M READING
I read a few wonderful books over the Holiday break. Of course, now I can barely remember what all of them were. MONSTROUS BEAUTY by Elizabeth Fama stuck out. I love magical realism. I love how it can make the impossible not only seem possible, but distinctly probable.
WHAT I'M WRITING
I let myself write what I wanted to write over the holidays. This of course resulted in starting several new ideas. When I'm working on new ideas the words just pour out. I think I got to 6K on a new idea before I though to myself, "I really should be finishing my draft of Love and Other Curiosities"...but hey, it was the holiday, so I cut myself some slack.
WHAT WORKS FOR ME
Nature. In my last book I didn't use much of the natural world for inspiration. Which is funny because I'm a freakin' biologist for pete's sake. What happened to "write what you know"?! This time around, I am sucking up nature like a sponge. I want it to just ooze from the pages. For Love and Other Curiosities, I'm not writing magical realism per se, I coined a new term- Real Magicalism. Because the real world is magical. It is jaw-dropping, awe-inspiringly beautiful in every way. There are things in the real world so fantastical that they make the hairs on my arms stand on end and my heart skips a couple of rhythms in my chest. And I look around for someone to share it with. And a lot of times no one is there. And so I'm going to write it. Well, I'll do my best. Sometimes, my descriptions, no matter how much I grasp for the right words, just do not do a thing justice. But I'm trying. I'm learning. I think it's getting better.
Goal for this week, there is no goal. (see below) :)
Nature. In my last book I didn't use much of the natural world for inspiration. Which is funny because I'm a freakin' biologist for pete's sake. What happened to "write what you know"?! This time around, I am sucking up nature like a sponge. I want it to just ooze from the pages. For Love and Other Curiosities, I'm not writing magical realism per se, I coined a new term- Real Magicalism. Because the real world is magical. It is jaw-dropping, awe-inspiringly beautiful in every way. There are things in the real world so fantastical that they make the hairs on my arms stand on end and my heart skips a couple of rhythms in my chest. And I look around for someone to share it with. And a lot of times no one is there. And so I'm going to write it. Well, I'll do my best. Sometimes, my descriptions, no matter how much I grasp for the right words, just do not do a thing justice. But I'm trying. I'm learning. I think it's getting better.
Goal for this week, there is no goal. (see below) :)
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
◆ I'm not setting a goal for myself this week because (wait for it) we're going to the Caribbean for our birthdays next week!!! (cue much rejoicing) We haven't had a real vacation in soooo long. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to it. We are going to some pretty remote areas, so internet is going to be super spotty. But I'm kind of looking forward to that part too. I really need to disconnect and recharge. So we're doing a whole Eco Adventure. We miiiight have to add it to our offerings at our ecotour company...because Caribbean!! A few things on the agenda: Scuba diving (of course) & much snorkeling, rainforest hiking, island hopping via sailboat, night kayaking in a bioluminescent bay (HELLZ YES!) When I found out there was a bioluminescent bay close to the Eco Villa we rented, I took it as a sign from the gods that we had picked the perfect spot. Some of you might not know about my absolute obsession with all things bioluminescent. Suffice it to say, I have been known to grow glowing dinoflagellates in my bathtub just to use for a whole bioluminescent-themed party.
◆ So I won't be here next week, but I promise to take lots of (hopefully) pretty pictures to share. I wish I could teleport you all there, because some of you really need some sunshine. Plus, wouldn't that be a fun party?! We could all be pirates together. *grin*
What have you guys been up to? Did you have a nice holiday break?
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Have a great trip!!! I can't wait for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And if you calculate the weight in camera equipment compared to the rest of our luggage, there better damn well be some good pictures. *grin*
DeleteI'm starting with your blog today because I really need to read about somewhere warm... *goes back to the top and starts reading*... OH. MY. GOODNESS. You have really outdone this time - the Caribbean?! I cannot wait for the report back on this trip! Bioluminescent bay?! I've seen that before but I totally thought it was made up. Have an awesome time and I can't wait to live vicariously through your post when you get back!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your "world" in your current WIP sounds awesome!!
If I could pack you in my suitcase, I totally would. (Because I remember how cold and long and dark winter used to be)
DeleteAnd thanks on the compliment! I'm hoping someone else besides myself will like my "world". :)
New ideas are always great. I find that, for me, it works best if I work on several ideas at once -- makes me extra creative. Good luck with your writing this week!
ReplyDeleteMy WuW post.
If I could discipline myself to finish anything else, I would work on a million ideas at once. I'm addicted to Shiny New Ideas. It's a problem really. ;)
DeleteOh wow, have fun! Looking forward to seeing the pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Here's hoping the weather cooperates for underwater filming. :)
DeleteOh my goodness! That bioluminescent bay is so gorgeous! I didn't even know anything like that existed. You are so right about all of the jaw-dropping, spine-tingling, makes-your-hair-stand-on-end things in this world. I love the new term you coined because it feels so perfect. :-) Can't wait to hear more about this new project! Have a wonderful trip, Kris! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! And yeah the day I lose my awe at all things wild and beautiful, is the day I die. Here's hoping I can get some pictures of bioluminescence for you. I hear it's hard to capture on film.
DeleteHope you have a wonderful week!
I would come to your pirate party! That sounds like a blast! Drinking margaritas on the beach and talking about writing! What could be better?
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. Though, make mine sangria and we have a deal. :)
Delete*makes you co-pirate* (which is totally a thing)
Can't wait to see your Caribbean photos. Have an amazing trip. Sounds like the perfect start to 2015 :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah, getting a couple of new stamps on my passport was one of my 2015 goals and it looks like we're going to get it done in January. (So yay!)
DeleteA big yes on Real Magicalism! Excellent term btw, and I couldn't agree more that the real world is full of magical, fascinating things. The Romantic in me has always loved nature, but I used to be kind of blah on science. It wasn't until I was an adult (and read a Madeleine L'Engle poem about an atom) that I began to appreciate how much the two are intertwined. I guess that's why sci-fi always seems a lot like fantasy to me--endless possibilities. I love that you're using nature as your inspiration and that you treated yourself to working on shiny new ideas over the holidays. If you ever, ever need a beta, or a cp, or just someone to say "Hey, look at the amazing thing I wrote" to, don't hesitate to give me a shout!
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the bioluminescent bay is incredible! All things glowy make me happy, though I've never tried to grow dinoflagellates in my tub. That's crazy and awesome and way beyond my limited understanding of science. Enjoy your trip to the Caribbean and take lots of extra pictures for those of us stuck in -30 degree Celsius weather that have to live vicariously through you! :D
Glad you like the Real Magicalism thing. And yeah, for me science and nature are inseparably intertwined. My love for one, is why I studied the other. Because I don't want to just see something extraordinary and go "wow" I want to know how that something came to be, and why it does what it does and how it fits into the grand scheme of things. For me, it makes it more miraculous.
DeleteAnd yes, I would totally love to swap writing with you some time! I would love to see what you are working on. Your WIP always sounds so amazing.
And yeah, all thing glowy make me happy too. Wish you could have come to our Bioluminescent Party because it was amazing. Though I almost bankrupted myself buying too many lights and glow paint. But we made giant floating, glowing deep sea creatures and rigged them up in the trees. (Yes, I am aware that I have a problem. The first step is admitting it)
Okay, I'm going to shut up now. Hope your week is fabulous! :)
Real Magicalism - I like it!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely holiday! :)
Thanks Jess! And I'm going to do my damndest. Hope you have a great week too!
DeleteHave a wonderful trip! I'd love to be able to go to the Caribbean someday, but for now I'll look forward to pictures and stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And you should go! No one ever regrets traveling. No one on their death bed goes, "Man I wish I would have gone on fewer tropical vacations" *grin*
DeleteHave so much fun on your vacation! I'm just a *tiny* bit envious! And happy early birthday. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! We're going to try. And it's funny, but I'm a *tiny* bit jealous of myself too. I don't know how that's even possible. Maybe it hasn't fully sunk in that we're really going.
DeleteI'm a Capricorn, too! But sadly, my big birthday trip will be to Target. To buy socks. Hahah. I lead a simple life :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have an amazing, unbelievable time on your trip. Happy birthday to you and Boy Chris!
You're a Capricorn too! I guess that really should have been obvious. I have an innate fondness for other Capricorns.(Though I don't attribute it to astrology as much as I just general awesomeness) (Science!)
DeleteAnd Jen, you need to do something for your birthday besides go to Target. Socks are not your friends. I will make you if I have to. Don't make me kidnap you. (I can't get another kidnapping charge on my record.)
Have a great time in the Caribbean! Take loads of pictures and enjoy yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks! We will try our hardest to accomplish both of those objectives.*grin*
DeleteHope you have a real magical time on your trip! That picture reminds me of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou: "I've never seen so many electric jellyfish in all my life!"
ReplyDeleteOh man, I Looooove The Life Aquatic. We even had a Life Aquatic party at our house where the band wore red beanies and blue jump suits.
DeleteNow I want to pack a red beanie and Steve Zissou jumpsuit and take our picture like that for next year' x-mas card! But I have a feeling we miiight have a hard time getting the Glock through security. ;)
Oh, man. I'm so jealous right now. (Especially since I've already seen a couple pictures on your Instagram, heh.) I hope you guys are having a great trip :)
ReplyDelete