Sage In The Meadow

Hey there, I’m Sage

Category: writing

Deep Dive into K-Drama pt. 3

February 17th, 2023

Welcome to part three of our K-Drama story-analysis series. I took a short break during the holiday season, but I’m back at last, with the next installment. As a reminder, this is the series where I am discussing two of my all-time favorite K-drama’s, and using our knowledge of the Three Act Story Structure (by K.M. Weiland), to view the story through a writer’s lens. I have been an avid K-drama fan for several years, and it has always been my dream to combine the worlds of K-drama, and writing. If you missed part one of this series, you can click here to catch up, before continuing. Now, let’s begin our discussion of:

Link: Eat, Love, Kill

From the very first episode, I realized this series is a genre-bender. It’s a murder mystery/thriller, but there is a supernatural or magical element which sets it apart from the typical thriller genre. For this discussion, I am going to focus on the Character Arcs of the main characters, instead of the Plot. In doing so, I hope to avoid major spoilers, and showcase some of my favorite personal character journeys.

Let’s Meet the Characters

This series has many deeply entangled, and intertwined relationships but the main focus is on two. The first character is Noh Da Hyun, a girl trying to find her footing, as she navigates school and work, while living on her own in the big city. She is a bit of a mess, but her struggles are endearing in a way many people can relate to.

Next, we have an up-and-coming chef, named Eun Gyehoon. He is currently working as the head chef at a Michellin-recognized, restaurant, and is making quite a name for himself among his peers. Though he appears successful and happy on the outside, we soon see a troubling, darkness beneath the surface. We learn that a terrible tragedy occurred when he was young, and we sense that his old wounds never truly healed.

Now we get into the supernatural element of the series. Quite early on, we learn the specifics of Gyehoon’s tragic history. His twin sister went missing when they were just ten years old, and still no answers have been found, (nineteen years later). But Gyehoon and his sister shared more than a birthday, they also shared a strong emotional link. Gyehoon was able to feel every emotion of his sister’s as though they were his own. On the fateful day of her disappearance, that link was severed…until now. The intense surges of emotion have returned, but how and why?

How the Plot Gets Rolling

The story really takes off with the inciting incident, at the end of episode one. Dah Hyun and Gyehoon meet by chance in the city, but things don’t go so well. Dah Hyun gets a bad impression of Gyehoon after a misunderstanding, and thinks he’s a creep. Soon after, Dah Hyun is forced to move back home with her mother and grandmother. Surprisingly, Gyehoon has recently purchased a vacant building across the street, hoping to start his own restaurant. Without giving away any spoilers, suffice to say, something extremely unexpected happens to Dah Hyun, and her family decides to keep it a secret. The only problem is that Gyehoon is a possible witness. The family decides to keep a close watch on him, and in order to do so, Dah Hyun gets a job at his restaurant.

Now that we know a bit about our characters, and the premise of this series, we can dive a little deeper into the character arcs.

Noh Dah Hyun

A word I would use to describe Dah Hyun, is lost. Dah Hyun is like a lot of young people who deal with the pressures and expectations from family and the world, to have their life plans meticulously laid out. Her university plans didn’t work out, her part-time job is not all it’s cracked up to be, and moving back home feels like a major setback. She might have had a better time adjusting, and finding herself again, if it hadn’t been for the traumatizing event that happened in episode one, when she makes a lethal mistake, irreversibly changing her future. Throughout the next episodes, she continues to make bold, impassioned decisions, in a great display of Character Agency. If you’re not familiar with the term, (I’m still new to it as well), essentially, it is the character taking the reigns of the story.

K.M. Weiland describes it in three words, Choices, Conflict, Consequences. When our character makes a choice, (in this case, Dah Hyun hiding a major secret), it creates a whole host of conflict in the days to come, which inevitably leads to an even bigger set of consequences. In real life, none of us would ever dream of dealing with such a situation, but in fiction, it creates an almost infinite amount of source material for the story. With a character that is actively driving the plot, the viewer/reader can’t predict what may come next, which keeps them turning the page, or in this case, watching the next episode.

Another way to describe Dah Hyun, would be disillusioned. In the world of writing, we would note that Dah Hyun is living in the vast, dark world of her Lie. But it’s not just a simple truth that can bring her out of that darkness. She is suppressing a lot of emotions, as a result of the traumatic events surrounding the Inciting Incident, which then grows into a larger piece of what is known as the Ghost, an event from her past that is overshadowing her present. The Truth that Dah Hyun needs to recognize may be as simple as accepting her true self, as someone more satisfied by simple things in life. That Truth is disguised from Dah Hyun, as the traumatic event and failure from her attempt at success is keeping the forest hidden behind the trees.

Eun Gyehoon

From the beginning, we see that Gyehoon is a complicated guy, many times coming across as cold, or even rude. And while the tragedy of his past doesn’t excuse that behavior, it creates an interesting layer to his persona. Pieces of Gyehoon’s past are slowly revealed over the series, and with the new information, our understanding of him grows. The character Eun Gyehoon, is one of my favorite examples of the literary device known as the Ghost, that I mentioned above. (Ghost: an event from the past, that heavily influences a character’s behavior/choices.) His character shows that no matter how successful, or “okay” someone appears on the outside, they may still be struggling deeply within. For nineteen years he has been battling with the pain of losing his sister, and the difficulties in life that followed. The unsolved nature of her disappearance prevented him from ever finding true healing or solace.

When Dah Hyun steps into his life, it is both a blessing and a curse. She quickly begins to upset the Lie that has been governing his life for nearly two decades. As an act of self-preservation, Gyehoon has hardened his heart, guarding it strongly against any future hurt. The viewer knows that the Truth he needs to acknowledge, is that letting others into his life may bring hurt, but more importantly, may bring love, and healing, that he so badly needs. Stubbornly, he holds onto the Lie. As viewers, our hearts are deeply saddened by this, as we also feel proud of him for pushing through the pain, and not giving up.

Gyehoon’s determination to find the truth about his sister’s disappearance is both gripping, and emotional. But as Gyehoon, and Dah Hyun start to form a bond, the viewer will begin to see troubled waters ahead. The Truth that each of the characters need, is reflected in the eyes of the other. But in order to see that Truth, and accept it, great conflict and even their worst fears must first be recognized, as every skeleton in the closet is brought to light.

In the next part, and conclusion to this series, we will see the climax and resolution of Dah Hyun, and Gyehoon’s character journeys. We will touch on the beauty of settings, and how they can become characters in their own right. And how the seemingly separate stories of side-characters can tie into the bigger picture. Be sure not to miss it!

Until next time,

Lady S

Annyeong!
The Writing Diaries pt. 12: An Update

November 23rd, 2022

Hello friends, I hope this post finds you well. Are you gearing up for the approaching holidays? Somehow, once again, it feels like they’ve sneaked up on me. November especially, seems to have grown legs and gotten away. One moment it’s the height of summer and it feels as if it will always be that way, and the next moment it’s November, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and the New Year. It’s like a snowball effect, gaining momentum as it fast approaches. It’s been a while since we chatted about life, and writing, so I thought it would be fun to catch up today.

A few of months ago, I mentioned that I had begun writing a new novel. It was a big step for me to put aside my previous novel I’d been working on for the past four years, and move on to something new. When I started this new novel, I thought I could finish it by the end of summer, (silly me). I knew it was a long shot, but figured it was worth a try anyway. I didn’t finish it, (no surprise there), but I made a lot of progress. With each new project I take on, I learn something new about the writing process, and about myself. I’ve learned that the more you write, the more you want to write, and that it’s okay for the process to taker longer than anticipated. Accepting and understanding these facts have helped keep any self-inflicted discouragement at bay.

My outlining, and drafting process for this novel have been very different from any of my other projects, and I’m learning more and more what works best for me. I’m about halfway through my first draft, with plenty of ups and downs to say the least, but I have to say its been one of the smoothest drafts I’ve ever worked on. Though not without its difficulties, rough patches and occasional writer’s block, I now realize those challenges tend to crop up where my outline was weak. Needless to say, I’m learning the importance of a good outline, and how it can really save you from headaches later on.

On another note, I’m really enjoying getting to know my characters, and fleshing out the world they live in, and I’m looking forward to the day I can share it all with you. A few years ago, if you would have told me the kind of story I would be working on today, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Sometimes, I suppose, these unexpected surprises can turn out to be better than what we had planned for ourselves. I definitely have my work cut out for this book, but I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and get to it.

Something else I’ve learned is that a messy first draft is okay. It doesn’t matter how bad the pacing might be or how many plot holes I will have to fix later, getting the heart of the story onto the page is what DOES matter. When uncertainties and self-doubts about the quality of my story start creeping in, I’m slowly learning to be okay with that, too. I’m realizing in time, with a little editing and hard work, I can still make something good out of it, and it can still be something I’m proud of, with typos and all.

Outside of writing, it’s been life as usual– which is just fine with me. I’m trying to enjoy the last of these quiet, dull days, and brace myself for the Christmas mania that is fast approaching. And since it’s the time for gratitude, and thanksgiving, I want to take a minute to thank you, for reading this post, and all of my other posts, too. I truly appreciate you. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, or a happy Thursday, wherever you are, and I’ll be back with another post soon.

❤

Lady S
Deep Dive into K-Drama: pt. 2

October 13th, 2022

Welcome to part two of the Kdrama Analysis series! This is the series where we are taking apart, piece by piece two of my favorite Kdrama’s. And with the eyes and ears of a writer, we are examining the different elements of the Three Act Story Structure as they play out on the screen. The first series we are discussing is, Doom at Your Service. If you haven’t yet read part one, you can go back and read that first, then come back here to continue the discussion. Let’s get started!

Most stories, be they books, or film, contain sub-plots– “a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or for the main plot. Subplots may connect to main plots, in either time or place or thematic significance.” Doom at Your Service is a great example of sub-plots done well. I never used to be a fan of sub-plots, since I felt they were only distractions from the main part of the story. But after watching Doom at Your Service, I changed my mind. I realized how a sub-plot that is artfully placed within the main plot, can bring a new dimension to the story and create an even more memorable, and impactful impression on the reader/viewer.

The sub-plot within the world of Doom at Your Service, focuses mainly on two characters– Mr. Cha, Dong Kyung’s supervisor at the publishing house, and her best friend, Na Ji Na, a writer at their company. There are some cinematic and thematic parallels between the two story-lines, which helps tie the stories together. We are first attracted to these characters because of their relationship to Dong Kyung. Mr. Cha is a bit mysterious, and not very friendly, yet we get the distinct impression he cares about Dong Kyung greatly. Similarly, Ji Na has been close friends with Dong Kyung since high-school, and we can see the strong bond of sisterhood between them. Their story picks up, when the ratings of Ji Na’s serial novel begin to tank, and Mr. Cha offers her a personal deal to assist her on her next project. Mr. Cha is a no-nonsense, straightforward person, not easily swayed by emotions. Ji Na, on the other hand, is a much more passionate and hot-blooded person.

As the story between Ji Na, and Mr. Cha unfolds, we find out that they share a rather complicated history when we had previously thought they were strangers. We learn of this, as Ji Na is prompted to finally confront her past, which she has been unwilling to let go of, until now. Mr. Cha is the driving force behind this change, and we begin to see a transformation in him as well. Much like Dong Kyung, Mr. Cha is pushed to find strength, and courage, to take hold of his life in pursuit of his own goals. This tale explores themes of forgiveness, and letting go.

This is one of my favorite sub-plots in all of fiction, because of how perfectly it is carried out. The story-line is solid, and could easily have had an entire show all on its own, but instead, it’s like an extra cherry on top. It is gripping, and intriguing, and helps flesh out the world of Doom at Your Service, and the characters who live there. Within this sub-plot there is a clear structure, with the major plot points occurring independently, yet simultaneously with the main plot. The writers of the show knew just how much screen time these characters needed to allow their story to be shown, without overriding the main story. And in a short amount of time, this series delivered a second, fully developed story that was just as deep and meaningful as the main plot.

The takeaway: striking a balance between the sub-plot(s), and main story, can be tricky to get right, but when done well, can enhance the overarching story-line, creating a final product with even greater depth, and memorability. Finding complimentary themes that spread across the differing narratives helps keep the reader/viewer grounded, and avoids any feelings of separation from the main plot.

The sub-plot within Doom at Your Service ticks all of these boxes, and gets a double thumbs-up from me.

Back to the main story.

At the end of part one, we left our main characters, Doom, and Dong Kyung, just as they are beginning to realize the flaws in their Misbelief. When the series began, the characters thought they had each other and the world at large, pegged. Doom thought that all humans were the same– unworthy of kindness, or empathy. And Dong Kyung thought it her duty to accept the fate that has been given her, denying her truest self. The characters take a huge step towards accepting the truth, but it is not yet absolute. This moment coincides with the Second Plot Point, a.k.a., the Midpoint. The Midpoint is a defining moment for the series, as the true nature of the situation comes to light.

At this time, Doom is the character undergoing the most change. His cold- as-ice demeanor is melting quickly, and there is even warmth where previously there was none. Dong Kyung has given Doom a new name– Saram, meaning “person” in Korean. It’s ironic that she gives someone with only a shadow of humanity, a name that reflects the exact opposite, and the irony is certainly not lost on Doom. But the person he was, in the beginning of the series is vastly different from the one we see now. After centuries of his cold, judgemental, dismissive view of humans, Dong Kyung has finally managed to breach the impenetrable fortress of his heart, and bring light into his dark and dying world. He displays this change of heart by his willingness to give up his life for Dong Kyung’s.

I mentioned in part one, that when the series starts we are lead to believe that Doom is the villain–yet now it is evident that someone else has been pulling the strings. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but we come to understand that there are limits to Doom’s capabilities and certain boundaries he can’t cross. As this mysterious force begins to tighten the ropes around Doom, and Dong Kyung, we see them pushed to the limits of their will. For Dong Kyung, she is pushed to finally admit the truth– she wants to live. But when she is standing in the face of death, that is a terrifying admission to make. Dong Kyung’s one hundred days are almost up, and the rules of the deal are still in play. In order for Dong Kyung to live, Doom must perish. The main characters come to their ultimate realizations, and the heartbreaking consequences, just in time for the Climax.

In a shocking twist of events, which I will not tell you about, there is a moment when everything comes undone. All of the change, all of the progress, is seemingly destroyed. But our characters are not the same ones that started this series, for if they were, their actions and the outcome would be vastly different. Doom and Dong Kyung prove, not only to the viewers, but to themselves, and the mystery controller, that their transformation is real after all. Their acceptance of the Truth is whole-hearted, and though there may be obstacles in the way, the Truth is still stronger. In hindsight, the viewers will realize that the events that have taken place were a test, orchestrated by the mystery person. And no matter the outcome, the characters will have new meaning to their lives.

The admission of the Truth is of greater importance to them than clinging to the false comfort that the Lie had ever brought them.

The series concludes in a way that leaves the viewer satisfied, yet with plenty to think about afterwards. We are certain that the transformations which took place in the characters are permanent, and that they are forever changed. This series displays a creative use of the Three Act Story Structure, and gives a subtle twist on a lot of common tropes in fiction. Doom at Your Service is a story about change, acceptance, and sacrifice, and it offers an in-depth look at what it means to be human, and the intricacies therein.

I hope you enjoyed this conclusion to the first series of our Deep Dive analysis into Kdrama. I learned a lot from this study, and I hope you have too. But we’re not done yet, and I’m so excited for the next series! You won’t want to miss it.

Until next time,

Lady S
Deep Dive into K-Drama: Story Analysis for Writers

September 14th, 2022

A truth universally acknowledged, is that people love drama. And my personal favorite kind of drama happens to come in the form of K-drama–the genre of South Korean TV shows. By now, I think everyone who knows me, knows how much I love K-drama. I love the way these stories use subtle undertones to express strong emotion, instead of over-done on-the-nose acting. Before I discovered K-drama, I had never really seen such deeply developed characters, and plots, outside of books. Since then, I have watched dozens upon dozens of shows, and have become so invested in the lives of each character, that I can feel their joy, their pain, and even their sorrow. As a writer, I began to study some of the intricacies, and take note of the shape and structure behind each series, and I started to recognize a pattern; that same unbeatable formula found in every story throughout history. So today, I’m starting a brand new, four-part series where I am going to dig down and dissect two of my very favorite K-drama’s, and study the science that holds them together and examine just what it is that makes them so great.

The first series we are going to discuss is, Doom at Your Service. A supernatural/fantasy/romance drama, and one of the most original, funny, and gripping emotional-roller coasters that I’ve ever seen. This post is going to contain some spoilers, but I’ll try to include only what is necessary to the discussion. Throughout this study, I will be referring to elements of the Three Act Story Structure, as described by K.M. Weiland, in her various teachings. If you’re not familiar with the Three Act Story Structure, you can find out more here.

Doom at Your Service.

The story picks up with our main character, Tak Dong Kyung, during an unfortunate, yet ordinary day in her life. Currently working as an editor for an online web-comic publishing house, Dong Kyung, is accustom to working long hours, and leaving little time for herself. Misfortune has followed her all her life, but on this day, Dong Kyung’s luck is the worst it’s ever been. Over-due student loans, and a humiliating public break-up are the least of her worries, after she pays a visit to her doctor, and receives the devastating news that she has a life-threatening brain tumor, with very limited options for treatment. Even with these grim prospects Dong Kyung seems unfazed, and indifferent to the information. Since losing her parents at a young age, Dong Kyung feels like this is simply the cherry on top of her already miserable life. She keeps the news to herself, and returns to her apartment. Later that night, after a few drinks, she recklessly makes a wish on a shooting star–wishing for doom upon the whole earth.

From the very first scene, we sympathize with Dong Kyung. We have all had bad days, and while they might not be as bad as Dong Kyung’s, we can still understand what she is feeling. So too, do we understand why she wishes for doom upon the whole earth. Often, when we are going through a difficult time, it’s hard to understand how the rest of the world can simply carry on, while our own world is crashing down all around us. At this point in the episode, things start to get interesting, because little did Dong Kyung know, Doom is a person, and she has just summoned him.

Enter, Doom, (Myeol Mang), an immortal being, who’s only purpose is to exact doom upon the human race. When you get a flat tire on the way to work, spill a cup of coffee on your laptop, or even face the consequences of a crime you have committed, you can thank Doom for visiting–the personification of misfortune. After living for centuries, watching continuously as humans live, die, and repeatedly make mistakes and cause terrible atrocities, any empathy that could have existed in him has been long buried. So when he hears the call for world-wide doom, it’s an opportunity he can’t pass up. Every year on his birthday, he grants one wish to a human, and Dong Kyung is just the human he’s been waiting for.

The arrival of Doom signifies the Inciting Event, bringing a tipping point for Dong Kyung, and the entire plot. We were given a brief look at Dong Kyung’s “normal” world prior to this moment, and now we are about to witness its complete reversal. Doom’s presence foreshadows this upcoming change, as his mere existence challenges Dong Kyung’s understanding of the world. The doorway to a new reality has just been unlocked, and already, she can see a glimpse of the other side.

Upon entering her apartment, Doom gives Dong Kyung an offer she can’t refuse: live pain free for the remainder of her life, (exactly 100 days), and after that, bring ultimate doom on the earth. She scoffs at the offer, and tries to get him to leave. She thinks she imagined the entire scenario, until the next day when the debilitating pain from her tumor is miraculously lifted by a simple touch from Doom. Frustrated, and at the end of her rope, Dong Kyung questions what she has done to deserve this. She doesn’t actually want to destroy the earth, simply because she is going to die. But when she tries to break the contract, Doom makes it clear the penalty she will face for not following through on their deal– Dong Kyung will live, but the person she loves most will die in her place.

Dong Kyung is horrified at this turn of events, as the person she loves most is her younger brother, the one whom she has worked most of her life to protect and care for after the loss of their parents. This moment conveys the First Plot Point, the final nail in the metaphorical coffin, ensuring that the old view of reality is gone forever. Dong Kyung, has now stepped through the doorway into this new world, but it is only the beginning of her journey.

Moving on, we see Dong Kyung’s Reaction as she grapples with this extreme change in her life. Dong Kyung despises Doom for making her agree to his offer, but she is determined not to let him win. She comes up with a way to save her own life, while not losing anyone else close to her. Her plan? Fall in love with Doom, so that he will die in place of her brother.

This is where the magic of Kdrama comes into play, promising an extremely painful road ahead for the characters, as well as the viewers. In the beginning it is clear that Doom is the villain in this story, but after a few episodes you will begin to second guess that notion. It appears that Doom is the one person that can help bring a change in her life, and likewise, she is the only one who can bring a change in him, too. It is the unlikelihood of two opposite souls, both broken, and hurting, that makes them a perfect pairing.

Doom first appears as a ruthless, uncaring soul, devoid of any heart or feeling towards anyone or anything. But as the story progresses, that hard exterior begins to show cracks, and Dong Kyung, recalls a faint memory that is in direct contradiction to what Doom has repeatedly claimed:

“I don’t eat, I don’t sleep, I don’t cry.”

For Dong Kyung, this situation proves that for too long, she has sat back and allowed the world to run right over her. For most of her life, she has not understood or acknowledged who she truly is, but Doom begins to show her that maybe there is more to this life than she first thought. Consequently, as Doom and Dong Kyung become closer, she also realizes there may still be some humanity in him yet.

Now let’s review what we have covered so far. Doom at Your Service, flawlessly delivers an incredible Hook within the first few minutes, in the form of Dong Kyung’s shocking diagnosis. And it immediately follows through with the Inciting Event, as the appearance of Doom, himself. From the moment he is introduced, every aspect of the story, and Dong Kyung’s life begins to teeter in the balance. And while all of these outward events are occurring, it’s as if they were specifically designed to poke and prod at both Doom, and Dong Kyung’s deepest, personal, inner-conflict, and the Lies they each believe about themselves.

In the next part of this series, we will find out that that is exactly the case. Dong Kyung, and Doom, will both have to examine and confront the Lies they have clung to, as the Truth becomes so blindingly clear that they can no longer ignore it.

In my next post, we are going to get into the magic of sub-plots, character realizations, and epic climaxes, so be sure not to miss it. I hope you enjoyed taking a deeper look into the world of Kdrama’s with me, because there is more to come!

As always, thank you for reading,

Lady S

❤
The Writing Diaries pt. 11 – New Waters

July 25th, 2022

Tides will turn, winds can shift, and at times even the rain changes direction. Sometimes, our inner well of creativity changes, too. One day you might draw up the pail from the well expecting to find water, only to be met with nothing. It can be shocking and even scary to realize that it’s no longer full. And for the first time in a long time, you’ll have to consider the idea of digging a new one. Even though the old place felt safe and comfortable, the water didn’t taste so fresh anymore. But when you find that new well, that untapped resource, you might just find that it was exactly what you’d been looking for.

Recently, my “well” of creativity has changed direction. The heart I had for a certain project began to taper off little by little, almost imperceptibly, until I was eventually faced with nothing. Then one day a new story, with it’s very own spring of water, much different than its predecessor started to gurgle up from the parched ground. This new story quickly turned into a rushing river carrying me away on its current. It was a current I willingly launched out on, and now that I’ve left, I’ve hardly looked back.

A while ago, I made the difficult choice to leave an unfinished story behind, and begin a new one. I’m on that journey now, and am already waist-deep in it. This story was fairly new on my idea roster, but there was something about it that made me want to pour all of my time and energy into it. It felt new, and exciting, but it also felt familiar, like it was waiting for me all this time.

This project has been much like treading new waters, but I’m enjoying the process. I didn’t rush the plotting, or outlining phase, and miraculously, it all came together fairly quickly. It’s also the most in-depth, and well developed outline I’ve ever written. Needless to say, I’m feeling good about it. I’ve also given myself a loose deadline to (hopefully) finish the first draft by the end of summer. After completing NaNoWriMo last November, I figured it’s not too much to ask of myself to try and finish this draft in three months. I can be an incredibly slow writer, so I figured adding a bit of pressure is a good thing. But at the end of the day, the first draft is only the first step. Arguably it’s the most important step, but there are many more steps to follow, and with that in mind, the drafting process has been less intimidating.

I’m also excited because I’ll be writing this draft entirely by hand. Why would I be regressing to such an archaic form of recording, you may ask? Because the greats, like Dickens, Austen, and Shakespeare, all wrote by hand, and I want to follow in their footsteps… I’m kidding, that was a joke. Really though, I chose to write by hand because it helps my overly critical, analytical brain, to take a hike. Writing by hand is a way for me not to overthink the words I’m putting down, and allows my creative thoughts to flow more freely. No delete key, and no backspacing key. I have no option, but to forge ahead. The first draft is always the most difficult part of the writing process for me, so if I find a way to make it easier on myself, then I’m all in. Even if it means I’ll have to transcribe several thousands of words from my scribbled notebook pages later, it’s worth it.

This new story is about an urban legend, a small town, and some strange happenings there. It has elements of many different movies, TV shows, and books that I have loved over the years. One of my inspirations was The X-Files, a popular show from the 90’s about two FBI agents taking on some strange, unexplained cases. I’ve had to do a lot of research for this project, but it’s been fun. I went to the library and grabbed several books on the topic I needed, and they have been really helpful. I’m learning a lot from this book already and I still have a long way to go. Later on I’ll probably do a proper, more detailed introduction for this story, but for now that’s all you get.

All in all, this move felt like a giant leap of faith, and with no regrets to speak of yet, I’m taking it as a sign that this was the right choice. A lot of us tend to stay in the same rut, afraid and unwilling to dig ourselves out and try something new. That’s where I stayed for a very long time. I was intimidated to make any drastic changes, but I realized that I am in control of my own writing. Who’s to say I should or shouldn’t write what I feel tugging on my heart, except for me?

* * *

I hope this post has inspired you to take the plunge, and start something new if a change has been knocking on your heart lately. Sometimes you don’t know what the right choice is until you give it a try. So fear not, my friend, and open up that door.

Thanks for reading,

Lady S
The Writing Diaries pt. 10 – The Art of Letting Go

May 18th, 2022

One of the hardest things in life, is knowing when to let go. When to accept that it’s time take a step back. When to admit that something in your life is leading you in circles. Coming to that realization can often feel like failure, like giving up. But in reality, taking that step shows you are of a strong mind, and adept enough to meet those difficult realities head on. This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and has caused me to face some of my innermost struggles about myself and my writing.

Not my photo.

The novel I am currently working on, a.k.a., the “Big One” as I’ve come to think of it, is a story that has been very near and dear to my heart for years. I’ve mentioned from time to time on my blog, how this story has grown and evolved along with me, for several years now. The current word count is just over 80k, making it the longest project I’ve written to date, but also the slowest. I’ve watched as the word count crept higher and higher, (at a snail’s pace), and it is nowhere near done.

For the better part of four years I’ve worked exclusively on this story, and it’s been even longer since the idea first sparked in my mind. But out of the hundreds of hours I’ve expended on this story, most of them were spent agonizing over it in my head, instead of actually writing. I’d held off writing it for years, because I didn’t feel ready yet. And as the weeks turned to months, and the months into years, I’ve learned that I am still not quite ready for this story. And that’s okay.

Not my photo

It’s been hard. It feels like I’m failing, or like I’m letting somebody down. After spending the last four years of my life pouring so much time and energy into this project, the thought of abandoning it is quite painful. But I’m not really abandoning it. I’m simply putting it on hold– because I want this story to be “right”. I want to tell the story that my characters deserve, and I want to tell it well. But the time to tell that story is not yet.

If my story were a block of clay, to be intricately carved and sculpted, then at this moment my story is very much shapeless. There may be hints of a sculpture, in the way it curves here, or casts a shadow there, but it is still just a lump of clay. So, for now, I’ve made the choice to put a sheet over my unfinished sculpture and stow it away for safekeeping. And one day when my vision has cleared, and I can look at it, and no longer see an obscure form– but flesh and bones and a beating heart– then I will return to it. But in the meantime I will be patient, and I will wait until I feel a true sense of purpose for my story.

I wanted to write this post, to recognize and commemorate all of the time I have spent on this project and acknowledge that it has not been in vain. I have learned more from this novel, than any other writing project I’ve worked on so far and this novel will always mark a pivotal point in my writing journey. By allowing myself to take a step back from this project, I am free to work on other, new stories that have been waiting patiently in the wings. And though the future of my writing endeavors may seem a little murky right now, I am excited to face the challenge and see where it takes me from here.

So here’s to love lost, lessons learned, and the great unknown. Let’s never give up on our dreams, you and I. For only when we step off the familiar path, will we learn of all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Yours truly,

Lady S
The Writing Diaries pt. 9: On the Outside Looking in

February 18th, 2022

There are moments in all of our lives when we feel like outsiders. Times when we feel like an outcast, or the odd man out– watching from a distance, as everyone else seems to get along so easily. I’ve realized that in the world of writing, those instances happen quite a lot.

The other day I was thinking about the novel I’m currently working on, as well as a few other stories that have been occupying my mind-space, lately. I wondered if anyone would want to read them. I wondered if anyone would find them interesting, or boring or too weird. I wondered, what if my stories just don’t fit in anywhere?

It’s sort of like that feeling you get in school, or when you’re hanging out with friends and you hear that little voice in the back of your head that whispers doubts and fears to you. What if no one likes me? For a while I entertained that thought– worrying that not everyone would like my stories. But then I had a sort of epiphany, and I said to myself– so what? So what if my stories are different? So what if my stories aren’t like the ones on the shelves at the bookstore today? I realized that my entire life has been going against the metaphorical current– so why would the stories I create be any different?

I know that there are trends in publishing, just like there are trends in fashion. It makes sense that publishers would publish books that fit into that popular trend, and that writers would write stories that fit into that same trend. But here’s the thing, not everyone has to fit into the trend. I realized that I would be doing a great disservice to myself, and to anyone who might read my future work, if I tailored my stories simply to fit into the current mainstream trends.

The world has enough, nay, too many books that fit into the mainstream mold(s). I would dare to say that it is time for the modern book market to have a bit of a shake-up. As I was wrestling with all of these ideas, I remembered the quote that says, “Write the book that you want to read.” I think that is one of the most valuable quotes for any writer to remember. Especially if, like me, you spend much of your time wading through books that you hope to love, but don’t. Maybe it’s time for us, for you and for me, to write the books we want to read.

Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t always have to come in nicely packaged boxes, ready, and waiting for the taking. Your story might not have the typical main character, or the typical list of obstacles standing in their way. It might not be strictly YA, or middle-grade, it might be something in between. If you feel like your story doesn’t fit in, then here is your sign, your signal, to embrace it. Embrace what makes you and your story different. If you don’t love your story first, why should anyone else like it? And if you feel like your story doesn’t fit into the popular shape, then break out of it. Write the story that is carved onto your heart; the one inside of you that is begging to be written. People gravitate towards genuineness, and honesty, and your writing will show that. Though it might not appeal to the masses, that little spark of truth you sew into your story, may well resonate in the hearts of many a wandering soul.

Remember, stay true to yourself always, and don’t ever forget why you first chose to write. Thank you for visiting, and sharing in my thoughts today. I hope that you found this post encouraging, and I hope you never give up on writing the story of your heart.

Your truly,

Lady S
I’m Back! NaNoWriMo & Other Things Too

December 17th, 2021

Hello friends, I have returned at last from my unintentional blogging-break during the month of November, and much of December. Things in my life got a little hectic over the past few weeks, and in November I was completely consumed by NaNoWriMo. I thought I’d be able to squeeze in a post before now, but as you’ve probably noticed, I couldn’t make that happen. Before I fill you in on all things NaNo, let’s have a little chat about the weather, shall we?

I was under the impression that we were going to have a very cold winter this year. Autumn was chilly, and so I thought that as November and December rolled around it would be frosty and cold. But so far we’ve been having very mild weather and the sky is blue nearly every day. This weather does have its benefits, but these endlessly blue skies in the middle of winter are making me wish for snow.
There, I said it. I’m actually longing for snow, though I say it with some apprehension, for if I wake up tomorrow with sub-zero temperatures, and a foot of snow, I’ll wish I had held my tongue.

If you’re wondering how my very first NaNoWriMo attempt went… I won! I reached my goal of 50,000 words with a day to spare. I kept my expectations low when I went into this challenge, but consistency was key for me. It was very difficult, and most days I really didn’t want to write at all, but I persisted. Honestly, my writing was very bare, and the draft feels more like an extremely long and detailed outline. But at the end of the day, it’s 50,000 more words than I had before, and now I have something tangible to work with, to reshape, to improve. Not to mention, I received a ton of experience points along the way. I’m not sure I want to attempt this every year, but I’m happy that I pulled it off at least once in my life.

Oh, and by the way, I wrote it all by hand! In my last post, I mentioned that I was going to try writing it completely by hand, and I did. I think that’s one of the main reasons I was able to complete this challenge. I didn’t have to face that cursor blinking back at me on a blank screen; there was no deleting, no editing and for the most part, I didn’t even worry how my words came out. I was forced to commit my story to the page, be it good or bad. It was a very valuable experience, and I’m so glad I chose to write this story by hand.

Thanksgiving came and went. It was a nice, quiet day, though very unlike the holidays I’m used to. Due to a number of reasons, my family wasn’t able to gather together like we normally do, but given the circumstances, I was still grateful for the day. I made eight pumpkin pies, and I watched my first Hallmark Christmas movie of the year. Despite what the naysayers may think, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without watching a few cheesy, Christmas movies. Right?

In November, I wasn’t able to read much of anything, or do any of my normal activities, but I did manage to listen to a great audio book, Six Crimson Cranes, to be exact. (Thanks for the rec, Alicyn!) Now that NaNo is over, I’ve jumped back into reading with both feet and I’ve read two books so far this month, and hopefully I’ll get to a couple others as well. And I have a couple half-read books that I want to finish before the year ends, so I can start the new year with a clean slate.

Christmas is right around the corner, and I can hardly believe it. Christmas always sounds so far off, until you realize it’s just days away. Luckily, I did all my shopping early, so I don’t have to worry over shipping delays, or anything like that. So far, this Christmas season feels different, and strange. But I guess after a weird year, it’s to be expected, right? Though it has caused me to intentionally seek out those little moments, and little ways to celebrate. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas music, or Christmas decorations, but when everything was feeling sad and dark, I found a little spark of Christmas spirit. I decided to be fully immersed in this season, even if it was simply a mindset. I worked on Christmas cards with joy when, in years past, I did it with drudgery. I strung lights on my house to add color, and brightness to these long winter nights. I did small things, but it was those little changes that had the biggest impact on me, and others, too.

The season isn’t over yet, and I’m hoping to cross a few more things off my list; like going downtown to see the big Christmas tree, and all the decorations. I’d like to see the Christmas light display at my local botanical garden. I want to watch more Christmas movies, drink hot cocoa, and eggnog and spend time with loved ones. I want to do the things you can’t do any other time of year, and I want to enjoy these last few weeks of 2021 with peace, and joy. Because if Christmas time offers you anything, it’s a chance to quiet your soul, and listen closely to the truth that is often just a whisper, in the midst of all the ruckus.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

It’s been a while since we last spoke, what have you been up to? Did you participate in NaNoWriMo? Have you read any good books lately? What are you looking forward to this Christmas? Let me know, I’d love to chat with you down below!

Merry Christmas,

Lady S
The Writing Diaries pt. 8: A Writer Rambles

October 28th, 2021

Greetings fellow humans, how goes things? How have your days been? Are you busy with work, school, or writing? Has the autumn chill crept in yet? Have you dug out your collection of fuzzy knits, or woven wools? We had our first freeze a couple weeks ago and it’s been a little colder than it usually is this time of year. But that means it’s the perfect sort of weather to get some use out of my extensive sweater collection, and that makes me happy. My days have been pretty well occupied by a number of things lately. I’m not working at the greenhouse through the winter, and my list of to-do’s is much shorter now that we’re nearing the colder months. That gives me a little more freedom so I decided that it’s the perfect time to enroll in an online class. I haven’t mentioned it here on my blog, but herbal medicine is something I have become very passionate about. I love the study of herbs, the amazing qualities they have, and the ways they can improve our health in gentle ways. This will be my second online herbal medicine class, and I’m feeling pumped to learn all the things.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’m considering participating in NaNoWriMo for the first time. For those that don’t know, NaNoWriMo, stands for National Novel Writing Month. A yearly challenge, where writer’s from all over the world take on the challenge of writing an entire novel during the month of November. The goal is to reach 50,000 words, (roughly 1,600 words everyday), which is the technical length for a novel. Every year I watch the excitement and hype leading up to it, from afar. I’ve been much too intimidated and unprepared to even attempt such a feat. But this year, I am happy to say that I’m a lot more confident in my writerly abilities and I already have a decent outline worked out. I even went to a coffee shop, like all of the posh writers do, and hammered out some of the important details. I have no doubt that it will be a huge challenge, but it’s one I’m ready to accept. Oh, and I’m also planning on writing it all by hand.

Over the summer, I wrote a short story, and as I mentioned in a previous blog post, I wrote the first draft entirely by hand. (Prior to that, I wrote mainly on the computer.) I was amazed at how different the writing experience was. Writing by hand, seemed to lift the invisible pressure I had placed on myself, though one would think the opposite to be true. And writing by hand actually brought back a joy to my writing, that can be so easily lost. Needless to say, for this new project, I am prepared with a shiny new notebook for a shiny new story.

I’m still in the editing phase of my short story and am hoping to finish it very soon. Maybe I’ll even let somebody else read it. Truth be told, I’m one of those writers that hordes their writings and guards them with their life–not even letting a single sentence be read by prying eyes. I’m trying to break out of that habit, but it’s easier said than done. I’m also still working on the sci-fi novel I started last year. I’m actually really close to the climax, but progress is still slow-going. As with my previous novel, I again, hit a wall near the midpoint. It seems that that is the most difficult hurdle for me to get over with my stories, but if I can make it through that midpoint, I can make it through all the other parts too! At least that’s what I tell myself. That’s one of the main reasons why I’m going to write my next novel by hand, and try not to follow any of the same patterns I usually fall into. I’ve accepted the fact that this story is just going to take a little longer than I had planned, but I have faith that I’ll get to the end in good time.

Besides all of that, I’ve been making the most of the fall season. Fall is really the shortest time of year and winter seems to swoop in all too soon. I love the cool air, and deep colors of fall, and it’s an almost mesmerizing effect. It’s always so sad when I have to see them go. This year, I started celebrating early, by doing a spooky photo-shoot in a corn field with my sister, visiting a haunted house with some friends, and I’ve had some form of pumpkin spice drink, nearly everyday. In short, I’ve been embracing the quiet calm of the season–the here and now, and trying hard not to think too much about what is ahead. So often I can get preoccupied with thoughts and worries and plans for the future, that I end up missing all of the special moments right in front of me.

So here’s to peace and goodness, right now. I hope you’re living wholehearted today, and worrying less about tomorrow. May we all have faith that tomorrow will take care of itself. I hope you have a blessed fall, my friends. Stay well.

What’s your favorite part of autumn? And are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?

Thanks for reading,

Lady S
A Story in Song | Inspiration for Your Next Story

August 2nd, 2021
If there was ever a show of hands, I’m sure everyone in the room would admit they love music. Music is an incredible, magical, phenomenon that has the ability to spread light and love in an otherwise dark world. Some people love to make music with instruments, or even their voice, and others, like myself, love listening to it. Music can inspire more than just happy thoughts or fuzzy feelings, however. Many songs can instantly spark a story in your mind. After all, songs themselves are a form of story. Worthwhile songs are filled with thoughtful words, feelings, and ideas. I thought it would be fun to collect a few songs that have a particular feeling, or an ability to tug on our emotions, and possibly even inspire an entire novel. Let’s get started.
- Erik Satie – Gymnopédie No.1
Lately I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for classical music. This composition in particular has such a nostalgic, melancholy, yet whimsical feeling, and I often listen to it on repeat. If I close my eyes, I can just see someone walking alone in the rain. Maybe they’ve forgotten their umbrella, or perhaps it’s late at night, or maybe they’re just going for a leisurely stroll in the afternoon. Whatever it is, this song is perfect to set the mood for your writing, or maybe even inspire an entire scene.

Listen here.
- RM – mono.
I’m cheating a little here, since this is an album, not just a single song– but I had to include it. I’m not sure how many times I’ve listened to this while writing. Somehow, it’s always the perfect soundtrack to the scenes I’m working on, and I’ve become very attached to each of these songs. Again, they have a slightly melancholy, lonely feeling, which often fits in well with the struggles my characters are experiencing.

Listen here.
- The Civil Wars – Pressing Flowers
If you are writing a story that’s a little creepy, or mysterious, then this song is just what you need. Filled with haunting harmonies, and soft melodies, everything about this song makes me want to know more. What’s the meaning behind the garden? Why must they meet secretly? Maybe someone out there can write a story to answer all of these questions.

Listen here.
- Seori – Running Through the Night
I really like this next song, and in fact, until I added it to this list I had nearly forgotten just how much I like it. Seori’s voice, accompanied by the strange tempo, and the visuals in the music video are the perfect combination of science-fiction and fantasy. This song, along with the others in this album are very much a story all on their own. The album art, and theme of the lyrics makes me want to write a sci-fi story about a lost princess on a faraway planet in some distant galaxy. If such a story calls to you, I think you’ll enjoy this song.

Listen here.
- twenty one pilots – Leave The City
Twenty one pilots are the kings of dark, and moody music, and if you’ve never given them a listen, I would highly recommend you do so. This song in particular is achingly sad, and beautiful at the same time. The lyrics play out like a movie script, and I can picture the scenes so clearly in my mind. This song is the epitome of dystopian, or fantasy tales, and the inspiration this song provides is just waiting to be called into action.

Listen here.

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That’s it for my short list. You may have noticed a theme in each of these songs. None of them are very cheery or happy, but I think that is why they spark so many ideas in me. These songs evoke questions and mysteries in my mind, and they make me want to climb into their world and discover the story within them. I hope you enjoyed this little collection of songs and I hope they even inspired you in some way. Do you find inspiration in music? What’s one song that you think could inspire a novel? Let me know, and we can chat in the comments.

Thanks for reading,

Lady S