Sisu Diaries

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Raindrops on Roses

I'm going offline (unofficially) for awhile in order to focus on the world on the other side of the screen.

I decided to leave any interested readers with a few of my favorite things. I got an amazing compliment on my blog the other day, and it inspired me and reminded me that I need to pay homage to the nicest and most creative people I know.

Without further adieu, I encourage you to explore.

Valerie Baber Designs ©

Valerie Baber Designs One of the most gifted fiber artists I know. She inspires me every day with her new designs and she's incredibly prolific. If you ever need just the right unique accessory to go with your new outfit, her shop is the one to go to. The scarf in the photo is one of her gorgeous designs. Thank you again, Valerie, for the compliment on my blog.

Susanna Kearsley My favorite author and an inspiration to my wayward attempts at getting my author feet off the ground. She writes timeless suspenseful stories that you will lose yourself in and not want to return from. I've read each of her books so many times, I've lost count, and they never lose their impact.

Deanna Raybourn My other favorite author and truly another inspiration to me. She writes delightful mysteries and novels that take you back in time and also keep you in worlds from which you never want to return. Her characters take up residence in your favorite reading nook and never leave. Her website and blog are also delicious and will make you crave tea and crumpets.

Victoria Laurie Yet another of my favorite authors. Her characters inspire my characters and I strive to emulate her charming wit. I can devour her M.J. Holiday ghost hunting books in a day, which always leaves me craving the next book.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries ©

Phryne Fisher This one is a combination of a favorite TV series, and a new favorite author, Kerry Greenwood. I adore Phryne as a character in both, and the duo that created the TV series did an amazing job. These are mysteries that take place in the late 1920s in Australia. I've never wanted to visit Melbourne so much in my life. I'd trail in the glamorous Phryne's wake any time. The first link goes to the author's page, which is set up for Phryne. The TV series is aired by Acorn TV, and is available on Netflix.

Film Noir I love the look and feel of the film noir style. I'm not as big of a fan of the depressing stories. I prefer the mystery/private detective versions. My blog is based on an attempt to capture the style and mystery of film noir without the depressing character flaws and crushing consequences of misguided decisions. However, film noir is a fantastic character study genre, and I endeavor to explore all its avenues in order to add depth to my own writing. I also enjoy how film noir, despite its origins, can be applied to any time period.

Shana Logic Another site for unique gifts by independent artists. I turn to this shop first when looking for something to cheer me up or a gift for my eclectic friends.

May not be raindrops on roses, but I wanted to share my favorites with you while I take some time off from social media. I hope you enjoy exploring and perhaps find some new favorites of your own!

Cheers!

Shanah

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Silent Treatment

Writers' block feels like a dozen or more pens and pencils are poking through my skull in all directions but never breaking skin.

I know I'm not supposed use writers' block as an excuse not to write, but I can't seem to get a single satisfactory idea out of my head. I've got piles of blurbs. I've got a couple of finished draft manuscripts that need editing and aren't drawing my attention.

The block might as well be a literal piece of wood or concrete to beat my head against. The silent treatment, a form of subtle torment not unlike Chinese water torture. My muse seems to be an expert. I know the things that have been said about not waiting for inspiration to come, and that I'm supposed to go out and get it. I have tried to plot and jot. I've only managed to clot the blood flow from the figurative beatings.

I feel a little like I'm doing everything wrong. The whole thing is starting to feel a bit surreal. Maybe my muse is starving, but lately, when I should be getting encouragement from my all time favorite and incredible authors, I'm feeling discouraged instead. I certainly get lost in their stories and enjoy my time reading (I've read some truly fantastic books lately), but there's that left over feeling of why can't I write like that? Why am I not going out and grabbing research by the horns and writing something so awesome? What is wrong with me? That's a rhetorical question.

So, I am lurking about, waiting for that spark to jostle my muse out of the brooding silent treatment. I know, not supposed to wait for the spark either. Go out and find it.

Where? (Another rhetorical question...)

Is it too much to ask for an explosion? A really pretty one?

As I write this out, it has become a therapeutic exercise. You've all been partial to my writer's struggle and I thank you for your wandering eyes and patience!

Happy St. Patrick's Day