Christmas, a time for reading?

Merry Christmas.

This year, for the first time I can recall I did not receive any books for Christmas.
But do not fear, my family continues to fuel my writing by keeping me well stocked with journals and writing materials!

Right before the Holidays I moved into my own place. A new little space that is my own and although I'm still in the process of setting it up to be conducive to writing, I've had quite a lot to write.

I've been doing a lot of editing and preliminary brainstorming for a more in depth plot for a couple of my books, and working on a MAJOR rewrite *Salutes HIMYM style* for TToA. I've also started a second blog that does not have anything to do with writing (except that I write it) it's about  my recent experiences getting a puppy.
If you are thinking about getting a dog and want to sympathise, or know what questions to ask, what to expect, or are just interested please check out my other blog:

http://brandyandabiscuit.blogspot.ca/

When I realized I hadn't received any books a curious thought occurred to me, "My reading list hasn't gotten any bigger!" Without more books piling up on my bedside table I might actually have time to catch up on my reading list!

Currently I am reading "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger.

Merry Christmas to All! I hope your stockings were full of good reads! Anyone get a great read I should add to my bedside table?

-Brandolyn

Little Poem

Yesterday I saw a movie trailer that really got my heart pumping. It was well composed, well designed and cleverly built drama through the trailer and left me thoroughly wanting to know what happens at the end. I found the entire experience very interesting and exciting. 

I've always wanted to create that kind of experience for someone reading my work, and I could barely believe that the makers of this movie trailer were able to achieve it in such a short time, so I decided to try. I wanted to write a building drama that leaves the reader wanting more, in the least amount of words possible. 

This is my first attempt. 

                   Guy smashes window, screaming girls name, whilst house is on fire.
11 words.

                   Guy smashes window, screaming girls name, while the house burns.
10 words.

I'm not sure which one I like more, but it's a start. I'll keep writing short drama snipits, I really like the idea and think it's a great way to practise setting action and anticipation for longer stories.

If you want to try it yourself, find a song, a movie trailer or anything that you find exciting and use it as inspiration. Write about the song, or movie, write about anything that struck you, stuck with you or that inspired you. Try to write something action packed with as few words as possible. If it starts off as a paragraph, that's OK. In this case starting big is OK, work your way down to less words if you want to, but they key is to write! Keep writing and have fun! Enjoy the drama, the excitement and the thrill of leaving your reader wanting more.

-Brandolyn