MONDAY MOTIVATION

Good morning, everyone!

Welcome to a new week. I feel this quote is especially important this week.

As we hit the mid-point of NanoWriMo today, you may find yourself faltering. That 'middle' is always the hardest part. You knew where you wanted to go when you started as well as the potential ending of the story. What bogs us down is that dreaded middle. This is where a lot of participants stop writing. They feel as if everything they've written is crap, the story isn't going as planned, yadda yadda yadda.

Remember today's words. If you don't write your story, who will? Even if someone else tells a similar story, your magic will not be a part of the book. Their book will be theirs and where will yours be?

All my best

~Angela

WRITER'S NEST - Prix Gautney

 Good morning, everyone!

We are ready to take a drive today. You see, Prix's Writer's Nest is not in her home.. Are you ready? The bus is running and the AC is running. 

Describe your writing nest

The aroma of fresh baked bread wafts through my writing nest every day. I write in a little corner of our local Subway on a long bench seat, tucked away from the crowds ordering sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. An outlet and free WiFi satisfy my technical needs, and a wide, sturdy table provides the perfect “desk” on which to write. All of my novels are handwritten in spiral-bound notebooks, and this corner provides the ideal spot for writing.

What is it about this space that inspires you?

This space is away from windows, which gives my eyes a chance to relax since they are sensitive to light. Also, it is away from home. If I attempt to write at home, there are too many distractions that pull me away from writing—dishes and laundry to wash, sweeping, dusting, animals to care for, food to prepare, etc. When I write in my little corner of Subway, the distractions are no longer present, and I accomplish what I set out to do. And the light background music and quiet chatter provide the much needed “white noise” that helps me focus.

Has finding your space been an evolving journey?

Finding my writing space has been a journey on its own. Over the years, it has evolved from writing on my bed or at our public library, to a table at McDonald’s, then one at Subway. I wrote on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Subway in our local Wal-Mart when my children were younger, and that worked well for a while. However, the background noise became too overwhelming, and I eventually sought out a new space at our stand-alone Subway on Main Street. Funnily enough, my daughter eventually landed her first job at that Subway, and when I went there to write, it was also an opportunity for the two of us to bond any time she had caught up on her work.

previous decor

Anything you would change?

Personally, I would change the décor back to the old style. I tend to respond to warm and dark colors, partly because it sets the tone for what I write. My novels take place in the forest, and surrounding myself with forest colors anchors me in that world. Alternately, I would create a home office separate from the house that would function much like my current nest. However, knowing me, I would still allow myself to be distracted by every task left undone in my house. At present, writing away from home works best.

Thanks for taking us on a tour. I think I'll sit over there and have a sandwich.. I'm way behind on my next book. 

Remember, you will find copies of Prix's books: Season of Crows and Season of Madness by clicking on the title. Be sure to follow Prix on her social media sites!

   WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

WRITER TIP THURSDAY - Prix Gautney

Good morning, everyone!

 I hope you're enjoying getting to know Prix Gautney as much as I have over the years.

Today, as part of Prix Gautney week here in the studio, we get an important writing tip from her.

For those wishing to create their own nest, I’d recommend finding an extremely comfortable seat—one that would support them for hours. Then surround themselves with colors, objects, books, and anything else that might provide inspiration. If they have a window with a view, that’s even better. Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with textures, comfort, noise, etc. until the right mix is achieved.

I really like what she says about 'experimenting with textures, comfort, noise, etc. until the right mix is achieved.'

One thing I've learned from all of our guests is that you won't find your perfect space right out of the box. Like making your house into a home... you'll need time, trial - and error - to find what works for you. 

Remember, you will find Prix Gautney by clicking any of the following links:

   WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

We'll be back tomorrow to see Prix's writing space. You won't want to miss her digs!

All my best

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Prix Gautney

 Quick Note - Remember, the review of Season of Crows will be posted tomorrow.

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on author, Prix (Pree) Gautney

I first met Prix at an Ozark Creative Writers Conference several years ago. Talk about a talented writer! This woman places 'high' (as in lots of first places!) in the writers competitions at the conference. She is amazingly talented... as you'll see when you read her first two books Season of Crows and Season of Madness. 

Prix sees stories in the most unusual of places. As romance authors, we people watch, Prix watches forest creatures.  Let's meet, Prix Gautney.

BIO:

I live on a small farm in southern Missouri with my two amazing children and an ever-changing number of cats, chickens, and vegetables. Though I enjoy writing Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy, I also love to write picture books. Every story is written longhand in spiral bound notebooks, and I later type them into my computer. I prefer the flow of the pen over the click of the keys and the mild onslaught of radiation from my laptop. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

From her blog profile, I also learned her favorite movies are anything that takes place on a plane or in outer space, has zombies or is a period drama. Her interests include organic gardening and her favorite books are Watership Down and Birth of a Firebringer. Prix's writing style has also been compared to Kenneth Grahame (Wind in the Willows)

Tomorrow, I'll post my review of the first book in the Evershade series (there are 2). Then Thursday, Prix will share some sage writing advice. Friday, we'll look inside her writer's nest. I hope you'll come along!

In the meantime, you'll find Prix on the following social media locations:

    WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela