The Writer Limits: Mother/Daughter Relationships in Writing

Hi all...don't worry I haven't forgotten about my promise to blog on series without info dumps, but today is my contributing day over at The Writer Limits. Over there I'm chit chatting about the mother/daughter relationship and how I used a contentious one as a subplot in my next book.

Stop by if you have a chance.

http://thewriterlimitsauthors.blogspot.com/2012/03/mothers-daughters.html

Keeping the Tech in Sync

I'm rounding the last bend on my Telomere Trilogy. I know some people don't consider a trilogy a series, but I do. A finite series. There are just too many similarities, comparables, pitfalls, whatnot.

Now, before we get started it's confession time. Welcome to AR's Confession Corner. Ready?

"Hello, my name is AR and...I'm an adulterous writer. Disloyal, two-timing, faithless, fickle. Yes, all those things and more."

This is probably why I don't write contemporary or Earth-based SF. The world is what the world is and crowds my creativity.

I didn't completely know this until halfway through book 2. Here I was, outline finished, base of the story kicked off, and me wanting to explore new SF concepts that'd been catching my attention.

Let's flashback to, oh, almost a year ago. Went something like this:

AR rubs her hands together in anticipative glee, puts her fingers on the keyboard...

Noah tisks. "No, no, my writer. That doesn't fit the world you've built for me and my crew."

"But, but--Captain! It's so exciting! Popular science published this article, MIT completed this new study...and, and--"

"Ah, ah. I repeat, doesn't fit. My world has a conceptual boundary."

*ugh* "OK. FINE!"

What is a SF geek to do? Well, in a series (at least this kind of series), the developed world supersedes. I've had to tuck away all those fantastical ideas and live in the predefined world -- one I was uber excited about at the time might I add -- to complete Noah's story as envisioned.

Oddly enough, once I clarified those borders I got juiced about it again. And even though I understand now that it would take another unique story like Noah's for me to restrict myself to one "world" and one set of characters for several books, I'm glad I tackled this writing challenge. I do have another series, technically, but I've created it where I can change out 80 to 90 percent of the tech at will. The only constant will be the agent's "gift".

So, because it's top of mind, I'm going to keep in the same theme and the next post will be another requirement of series, continuing the story already in progress without overloading the reader.

Meeting to Plan a Meeting??

Stop by Seeing is Believing, where I have my monthly Fun Friday post up. And make sure to share your office quotes and any office stories you might have.

http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

Blood Tells...What?

I'm over at The Writer Limits blog today talking about the symbolism of blood in society and writing. I think as we continue our scientific evolution, the tie between blood and life will transition to gene and life, but for now the vampires, zombies, and werewolves have it. And don't get me wrong, it's pretty cool writing when done right.

Stop by if you have a chance and weigh in on the topic.

http://thewriterlimitsauthors.blogspot.com/

Automated Highway System

Join the AR geek fest with me. I was chit-chatting with my non-SF geek the other day on the way to lunch. (She is a very patient friend who tolerates my trips to la-la land.)

I don't even remember how we got to the specific topic, but next thing I knew I was sharing my automated highway idea. Oddly enough, she got on the bandwagon. I think this is because she's a commuter and it takes her FOREVER to get to work in the morning.

My idea is simple. A magnetic highway system that is compatible without needed "robocars".

Robocar concepts are pretty common in the tech talk world. Electric cars that basically take over and autopilot you on your way. Don't get me wrong, I think that's ultimately where we'll end up... but it just seems so un-American. Come on, for the most part we're free spirited cowboys with a heavy independent streak. We honor our cars and roads so much that we covet Route 66.

You US of A ers know what I'm talkin' about. One of the main reasons why our transportation systems haven't taken on as well as in other countries is that the majority of us love of the car and driving ourselves where we need to go. (Not to mention our sheer size compared to other countries.)

Okay...let's travel back to "Topic land"... where was I?

Oh yeah, Robocars.

Robocars just give me an image of Stepford Wives but with cars...or worse, a Twilight episode.

Magnetic highway systems have also been talked about, which is exciting. But again, it's in terms of swapping out your unique vehicle with a compatible one (aka robocars/A.I. vehicles).

My idea -- which, who knows, may not be new. I read tons of research papers and articles and don't always remember I read something until a commenter links me in -- involves:

1. Magnetic infrastructure built into current highways


2. GPS road mapping system integrated into the magnetic network


3. "Highway System Package" available for purchase at the auto store or dealership. (Includes magnetic installation kit for your vehicle and autopilot software to link to your car's GPS)

It'd have to be like the Fast Track program, where it's optional to participate. But, as you can see, Fast Track has exploded. There are only 1 or 2 cash lanes anymore. Start off with dedicated lanes and then expand as the volume of Highway System users increases.

Imagine, you can commute and instead of cursing traffic jambs or the crazy ass driver beside you, you could be leaning back and surfing the net or eating breakfast. Whatever you want...even catching another hour of zzz's until you get to your exit.

Now, I know I'm totally simplifying this. I'm not and never claimed to be 1) a scientist nor 2) an engineer. I'm just letting my mind go a-wandering.

What are your thoughts for automated highway systems? Any cool ideas you've been reading?

Breaking for Air

(Hold on, I got to catch my breath...) *heavy panting from the out-of-shape sci-fi geek*

What a whirlwind the last couple months has been, and it doesn't look like it'll be slowing down any time soon. Between work and writing and medical "follow-ups", I've have little time for anything else. Including chit-chatting on my blog here with you all. Don't be hurt, please. I haven't had any time to hang with my in-person friends either.

That's the way it is though, I suppose, when you're trying to have it all.

I'm in a happy marriage and we have great kids. Keeping that stable is the number 1 priority and takes lots of energy and time. Working (the paying one) has been a zoo. Between department restructuring and organizational changes, my workload has bled into my evening hours.

And don't forget the brain tumor fiasco. Who knew one tumor resulted in a lifetime commitment? MRI's every four months, follow-ups and periodic check-ins with not only the oncologist, but neurologist and neurosurgeon. Not to mention the regular physicals with the primary care doc. It's like its own job!

Somehow, through all of this writing has been my emotional lifesaver. I guess not "somehow". Writing has always carried me through when the real world was getting a little too real. I could always step out of it and into the fictional world inside my head. I can't say it's because I control that fictional world. We writers know that's a bunch of bull crap. Characters and story lines drive our fingers on the keyboard, not the other way around.

It's because, there, I'm able to experience the journey without being completely invested.

I feel when the characters go through the trials and tribulation. I laugh when something funny happens. And I bask in the happy and content moments. But at the end of the writing session I walk away and don't have to deal with the consequences. It's not real.

Yeah, sometimes when it's pouring out of me it feels real. To the point that, when the session's over, I have to take ten or fifteen minutes to transition. And sometimes a point bugs me throughout the day, I meet a person who'd be a great character, or come across a scene that would be perfect for the story. But that's just a quirky side effect. I still set it aside when the real world needs attending.

Of course, there's also the whole expunging of emotions thing. I can be pissed off and open my word document, blow some shit up, and feel much, much better.

Just sayin'

Memorable Kisses in Movies - Over at the Writer Limits

I'm hanging with my Writer Limits crew, talking smooches today. Find out how Han Solo and Mr. Darcy are grouped together for me if you have a chance.

http://thewriterlimitsauthors.blogspot.com/2012/02/r-norris-memorable-kisses-in-movies.html

(Psst...you could win a prize...)