Chaos Theory Thursday

Diverting from our normal linear pattern of writing prompts, suggestions, and inspirations to kick that writer brain in gear, I've decided to explore the world of Chaos.

Is chaos really chaotic or is it just nature's way of reorganizing, growing, and pushing us beyond ourselves? I don't have an answer, but I'll start a discussion and see where you go with it pertaining to our writing lives.

Imagery used on source site
to show chaos

Over the past three and a half months, one thing after another has been thrown at my family. Now, I'm not a complainer; that would just be a waste of time. But when life tosses you about like a leaf fighting for its last, lonely breath in the Fall breeze, it's hard to keep a positive view of your world. These 'things' have clogged my writer brain and kept me from writing creatively. I've still been keeping up with my freelance work and even moving forward with my plans to start designing book covers. But forging ahead with the sequel to Marked Beauty - which will hopefully be out this year - hasn't happened.

I recently found this on, believe it or not, a Chaos Theory website. Yes. This is an actual study. Go figure.

Chaos Theory - Study of nonlinear systems; Chaos theory studies pattern and organization within nonlinear systems. Nonlinear systems are typically characterized by unpredictability (weather, populations, stock market, etc.) Chaos theory is about discovering how simple predictable functions can create unpredictable results. Through the discoveries of chaos theory, we are able to understand how systems which were once thought to be completely chaotic actually have predictable patterns. Chaos theory originated in the 1960s. One of the early pioneers was a professor at M.I.T. named Edward Lorenz, who designed computer models of the weather. (Source: Fractals and Chaos Theory.)

There is loads more information, ponderers, and discussions on this site as well as others about this topic. What really struck me was this statement: Through the discoveries of chaos theory, we are able to understand how systems which were once thought to be completely chaotic actually have predictable patterns. 

So, does chaos really exist, or, as I questioned at the beginning of this post, is it nature's way of moving forward? Have you find after chaotic periods in your personal life that your writing life has been enhanced or dulled? 

Keeping Your Creative HEART In The Publishing Business

Here on the Oasis, Wednesdays are for sharing writerly wisdom. And what better wisdom to share then how to stay your creative course, protecting your heart from the business of publishing.

I've done just that, today, over on Adventures in YA & Children's Publishing. Take a hop over and tell me what you think.

For those who don't know, WOW Wednesday Posts are their regular author to writer feature. Authors share their most important pieces of advice from their writing journeys, how they made the leap from writer to author. Click HERE to check out what I had to share!! Psst....make sure to leave a comment and I'll comment back.

Whoseywhatsit Thursday~Inspiration

Welcome to Whoseywhatsit Thursday with a little EXTRA!

Yeah, so, this summer has spun both my writing career and personal life into a tailspin. No worries, though. All is good. Actually, better than good, which I'll explain in September. HOWever...I mention this because I totally forgot to post my TBR Tuesday pick last week. 

What I've decided to do is explore my past TBRs, now read, and how they've inspired me as reader and writer. 

In my younger days, Charlotte's Web was a favorite of mine, probably because of the friendship E.B. White developed between such odd main characters. Then there were my middle grade years, where I fell in love with Judy Blume. Period. Her presentation of the angst of junior high was masterful. I remember relating perfectly to her developed settings, world, and story lines.

Because Of Winn Dixie was a favorite of my children. There was a rawness to the story and characters, yet an over-arching sense of purity and honesty. 

As an adult and aspiring Young Adult writer, I've sought out YA books that moved me in a personal way but also challenged me as adult and writer. Abandon gave a sense of the ancient and the need to include humanities past in our stories - no matter what level. Beautiful Chaos forced me to challenge my characters even when it hurt. Ink Exchange taught me that it's okay to push the extreme to make readers meditate on life. 

Lastly, Dancing on My Grave is an adult book but explores the journey of a young dancer's life and death. I read this in high school. I can't tell you how much it affected me. The story was a biography in itself. But there was more. The structure reeled me in and never let me go. 

Today, try to remember books that inspired you to become a writer and/or avid reader. Use those in your work today.

What are they?

FUELed-UP Rejection

Writing can be a lonely place. When an idea first hits you, the thrill is almost exasperating, choking the breath from your lungs. You want nothing more than to share it with someone. Who better than a close friend or relation? Yeah, most of them just look at you like you have three heads with green mist circling your eyes.

Feeling REJECTION #1 - Realize they aren't wired like you. Be Thankful that you are.

You start writing the story. An annoying mind bump throttles you, bringing your thought process to a halt. You call a writer friend and order an intervention. A chat ensues, but your writer friend's observations are not what you expected. "This isn't working because..." You panic. Think you have no abilities.

Feeling REJECTION #2 - If you trusted this particular writer enough to call them, than be brave enough to listen, truly hear what they are saying. Be Thankful you have them.

As a member of a blessed writing community, you upload your query letter for critique. The results catapult you out of your writing space, down the hall, and out the door of your house, sure you'll never touch your laptop again.

Feeling REJECTION #3 - Skim the comments. Sift through what is valid and what is a bit much. Now this takes time. You need to find your gut and learn to be Thankful for it. It's yours, given to you as a guide. Use it.

As a possessor of a now alluring query letter, you muster up the gusto and begin to seek an agent. Skittish at first, you send out seven, maybe ten. You receive a few requests for material, (YAY, you!!), but also some rejections with comments like:

- Your plot is interesting and even exciting to me, but I just don't think this is the right manuscript for me.

- I've enjoyed your query letter, but the state of the market in (said) genre is my concern, right now. Please feel free to query me again at a later date.

- I'm very interested in this, but after meeting with my colleagues at the agency, it's been decided that we will pass. (Of course, I could go on here. And yes, these examples were a bit personal from me.)

REJECTION # 4 - Nothing in the above examples says you're a bad writer or that you should padlock your laptop and close up shop. The agent just wasn't YOUR agent, the one waiting to find you, too. There are words of wisdom in those replies. (Heck, the agent replied.) Tuck them into your heart and soul. See them as a step closer to your goal. Be Thankful for each and every one of them.

REJECTION is not FATAL. When seen with an open mind, heart, and eagerness to jump over that next writing hurdle, it can be fuel.

On behalf of the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, here's an image to make you feel better. Despite where you are in your writing career, know there will always be obstacles set in your path. Challenge them. Grow. Be Who You Are Meant To Be.


In hindsight, what rejection pushed you to grow as a writer, friend, mother/father, etc..?