The Struggles with Creative Thinking (or Curse my Brain's Tangents!)

Along with my daily assignments, I am also halfway through my next senior fiction novel and compiling my research for the next book in the U.S. Landmarks series with SmartKidzClub.  I'm pretty close to my bandwidth, when out of the blue, I get inspired.  Dang it.

Don't get me wrong.  I love getting inspired, but it rarely happens when I get writer's block.  Maybe it is all of the brain activity or maybe I'm starting to get overwhelmed.  I tend to plan ahead and frontload myself with all of the things I need to do in the next 24-72 hours.  Better early than late, right?

The important thing is that I take the time to write down these inspirations as they come.  When I was proposing my U.S. Landmarks series, it was as easy as making a list of the places around the country that needed to be showcased.  The senior fiction is an outline of six chapters with concepts or activities that I want to include.  Even a sprinkling of reactions.  That outline is very rough because I will add dialogue later, but I can at least get the web of events pieced together and determine how it will all end.

As I have been talking on the phone and email with my Queen of Brain Tangents (Mom), I know she can see that my urge to write about this new topic is out of the blue.  It's like the idea that pops in your head when you are taking a shower or driving on your boring commute.  Mine developed when I was walking the garbage can to the curb (it's a five-minute walk roundtrip).  As I have been distracted by these ideas, I have come to the conclusion that I need more information.  Long story short, I need to seek out a historian specific to this time period and location.  Road block.

It leads me to believe that some of the most interesting stories are trapped in oral history.  My story idea is one that belonged to my parents as they were growing up during World War II.  They have their own experiences that they have shared over the years, but I finally figured out how I can take those memories and shape it into a piece of historical fiction for young adults.

Oh there are plenty of stories to tell.  One that sticks in my mind is the fact that my history professor mentioned in class about German POW soldiers who were imprisoned in western Illinois.  He told how they would get their daily exercise by crossing the bridge high over the Mississippi River and back.  Genius way to prevent escapes, in my opinion.  Did I know that there were German soldiers in the American Midwest?  Of course not!  Is it in books or as an easy Google search?  Not where I have looked.  My skills as a history minor failed me.  I knew of something to the effect from the youth novel The Summer of My German Soldier, but never did I think that POWs were so close to home. 

The Internet is only as good as the keywords we input.  Our minds are only as broad as the information we process.  We are the archaeologists and anthropologists responsible for keeping some of these stories alive.  Even if you can save a few of those family stories, you may see that they are not rambling tangents, but a way of life, an experience, or just a thought that should not be lost.


My mind is made up
and the message is clear;
I must write a new story,
one hidden in yesteryear.

My Fork in a Writer's Road

One thing that excites me about writing fiction is the fork in the road. I was a fan of Choose Your Own Adventure books growing up, and it is so true in life how one decision can affect your whole outcome.

The most recent senior fiction I finished was about a trip to a farmer's market. I came across a number of forks in the road on that little journey. They ranged from problems and solutions, the decision to add a character or not, or just how to finish the story altogether.

The fork in a writer's road can start from the beginning. What aspires an author to choose a topic, pick a character, and determine which genre they want it to develop into. I think about Susanna Carr (http://www.susannacarr.com/), a romance writer who has written for Harlequin Presents and Harlequin Blaze. While both are published under the same company, the paths the stories require go in different directions. The path of the heroine can go from bad to worse, hot to steamy, or however the author chooses to take the adventure. It's the author's discretion, the author's “fantasy”, the author's adventure.

Authors can find their inspiration at the fork of the road at any point from brainstorming to drafting. Even the editor can reveal a new path that takes everything in a new direction. Sometimes these new adventures enhance the story, creates a tension that piques the reader's interest more, or make it possible to spin off into something new and fresh for the next story in the horizon.

Right now as I am recharging my creative juices for my next writing adventure, I look at my map of ideas and wonder what journey sounds exciting to write about and read.

The next Jamie Stonebridge senior fiction story will be about a good day for a walk in the summer. The paths for that story are numerous. Sometimes I go back to my days of “romance” and take a “what if” approach. You know, “what if she said yes (or no)?” or “how would life be different if she picked the nice guy over the bad boy?”. It's just like a fractured fairy tale where there isn't always a happy ending or the point of view tells another version of a familiar story.

Now I must hurry and write

the tangent forming in my head,

because the new adventure awaits

for what characters will do instead.

Questions for Jamie Stonebridge

As I mentioned before, my collaboration in writing senior fiction started with a request for writers.  It was not a genre that I had heard of before, but it was one that I could immediately see a need for.  While adults may have fond memories of reading Dr. Seuss or easy fiction, it does not have the content that matches their experiences.  I was eager to try my hand at easy books targeted for a more mature audience, and I have been pleased with the results.

But what does Jamie Stonebridge have to say about it?  Well, I'll have Jamie tell you more.

Q: What inspired or motivated you to write stories for seniors with dementia/ Alzheimer’s/ Parkinson’s/ or stroke survivors?

A:  A couple of reasons. I think every extended family can think of a loved one who has faced the challenges of age related memory decline. When I became aware that this was happening and how ‘changed’ people’s circumstances and abilities can become it planted the seed of an idea in my mind. I’m also struck by how people, due to improvements in health and medical care, are living physically much longer than they did, say 30 or 40 years ago. But will our minds ‘keep up’ with our bodies? These thoughts came together and made me think about what could be done to help people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or survivors of strokes.

I wanted to develop some books that would entertain but not patronise people. Fiction that would not use complex words that might have been forgotten by age and would not involve complicated plots or many characters that needed to be remembered. I also made a conscious decision to make sure the books didn’t sound like they were written for children. The books would need to be about an older person, enjoying a pleasant ‘universal’ activity that makes them happy. The hope is the reader can share in that happy feeling as they read each book.

Q:  You chose a format that included a short chapter and an image to capture the reader’s attention. This works well for your audience. Was it a decision you made from the beginning or did the concept take some trial and error to get it to its current state?

A:  The format came about by me first applying skill I had learnt as a trainer along with some good old-fashioned trial and error. Overall, I wanted to the books to not be very long so that they could be read in one sitting if that was appropriate to the reader. Research by others describes how people with dementia and related conditions enjoy the activity of reading or experiencing a book. That can include holding a book, touching the pages, looking at the pages and images, being read to or sharing in the reading activity. The research also suggest that long books can confuse or be too big a mountain to climb causing the person to give up or feel frustration.

The trainer in me knew of the impact of show an image and then tell the information. So a real world photograph that relates to the chapter or ‘sets the mood’ seemed a natural choice to start each chapter. These images are often close up details or reflective of the experience related in the chapter and are always positive and welcoming. The idea is that the images provoke or encourage a feeling or awaken memory in the reader.

The first concept for the books was to have eight chapters, but we quickly discovered that six chapters worked so much better. A story can move along and conclude without losing pace in six chapters. Generally, each book covers one day or a weekend. The season or weather, a sound or smell prompts the main character to have an idea that they go and experience, a ‘journey’, that then concludes. The reader therefore gets to share in this pleasant journey and feel like they have shared in that experience.

Each chapter generally has the same number of pages, so the reader expectation, the pacing of the book, follows a welcome pattern. We also decided that each book should not contain any peril, danger, fear or negative feelings. Overall the books are structured to speak to the reader words that are not complex, but not childish. Their aim is to make the reader smile and feel positive.

Another aim with these books was to make them big enough to easily hold (6x9 inches), with easy to see large print text, and books covers that have bright images that reflect the story. The covers are somewhat in the style of a James Patterson book cover. Finally, I wanted to make sure that ‘dementia’ was not mentioned on the cover or within the book so there is no stigma attached to the reader. The Senior Fiction label is the only allusion to the targeted style of writing.

Q:  What is your goal with this senior fiction project?

A:  The goal with every book share the enjoyment that can be gained from the simplicity of everyday events and the calming effect of a satisfying ending. By writing with empathy and in a positive way the hope is to produce books that bring a smile to the reader or to re-introduce them to books when they have felt they are lost to them.

Q:  Do you write for other audiences?

In the past I have published children’s fiction under a different pen name, only to discover it is a very crowded space with too many books and not enough readers! I’ve also published family fiction and light romance with some success via Trudy Joy.

I also publish Word Search books for adults and seniors under the pen name Freedom Bell or Freedom Puzzles. These are typically themed (Harry and Meghan Word Search was a big hit this summer) and have a great following of all ages including seniors.

Q:  Where can readers buy your books? They are currently on Amazon.com. Will they be available in Canada or do your readers have to purchase through the US site?

A: At the moment Jamie Stonebridge books are available on all Amazon site (e.g. amazon.com and amazon.co.uk) sites apart from Canada. I don’t fully understand the reasons why, but the publishing platform Amazon uses currently has restricted availability from the amazon.ca site, but Canadians can order it from the Amazon.com site. I am hoping this situation changes in the future as I would love these books to reach as many readers as possible.

The books have been very well received so far, and I am hoping this continues to grow so more people can benefit from these books.  I’d love to hear their ideas or suggestions for book themes.

Why I Write Senior Fiction

 

For the past nine years, I have been a freelance writer.  The Internet has made it easier for writers like me to pick and choose projects that match skills and expertise.  At the beginning, I had to find my niche and clients by trying new things and proving my value in my research and writing skills.  My education background was a solid match for many articles or children's topics.  Recently I saw a project that piqued my interest.

There was a request for writers to collaborate on a book series targeted for those with Alzheimer's, stroke, dementia, or just wanted to read a simpler book at an adult level.  I knew I could do this well and with passion based on my high-interest, low-vocabulary projects in the past, but also channeling what my grandparents would want.  Two of my grandparents lived into their nineties.  I would take the time to visit them every time I was home from college or visiting with family.  While they were never diagnosed with dementia, they required some of the patience that dementia caregivers need

My grandmother was a stubborn woman of the south.  She taught me how to be gracious and kind, but I never quite mastered her charm when it came to getting what she wanted.  As she grew older, I made certain to call her every day on my commute because I knew her days got monotonous.  She dominated the call with questions about her great-grandkids and family gossip, but she also dictated when the call ended (even if I was not done talking).  She had enough focus to read the newspaper every morning, but preferred to have conversations with others.  It was her stubbornness that kept her alive longer than doctors estimated.

My grandfather had his own challenges with old age.  He had hearing aids for as long as I could remember, but when his eyesight faded, he could not be as independent as his spirit wanted to be.  His blessings came with his numerous grandchildren who could drive him to lunch or take care of his shopping.  No sooner than I got my driver's license did I get a call from Grandpa to take him to church that Sunday and every Sunday after that.  Every visit ended with some reading.  I knew he got recorded books in the mail on a regular basis, but he wanted to hear the stories that were not available in audio format.  Two of his favorites were the Catholic diocese history and one of his son's bound book of student essays.  For that one, I always read the dedication page to his parents and the story of life growing up in the family home.  I never did get past those first pages.

I know there are coloring books and sudoku for mind activity, but there are some people who just love a good book. They still want to open up the pages, feel the resistance of the binding, hold the pages, and take their mind somewhere else.  Novels can be too long or complex while young adult books don't always hold a senior's interest. So when I saw this project, I wanted to create something that my grandmother would have the patience to read and that my grandfather would want to have read over and over again.  I am proud to be a part of this collaborative effort.

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.  As you care for your family members whether they have early onset or on the road to recovery, consider books like "Trip to the Lake" or the newly released "A Visit to the Library" for those loved ones who always had a love for reading.  And maybe you will enjoy reading it with them. 

This is my treasure to you-

and because of you I evolve;

The stories I tell from the heart

with memories of those I love.

My Secret Life

Just like I loved a good mystery, my life has been like one big secret.  It's not like I am always hiding something (no, no bodies have been buried on my watch).  I just tend to keep things private until I share it in the medium of my choice.

For example, I used to write erotic flash fiction.  Seriously.

Actually it was my alter ego, Reyna Jackson.  That is one of my favorite pen names, actually.  It is a blend of one of my online character screen names and a part of a place where I lived for four years. 

As Reyna Jackson, I wrote based on emotions and perceptions of relationships.  The challenge was creating a complete story in 100 words or less.  Conflict, climax, ending...it was more like capturing a snapshot in a pivotal moment in a person's life.  Just like my pen name, it was something I kept secret from those who knew me in real life.  My creativity was shared with a completely different audience. 

Did I get published?  Yup.  Is it still available?  Nope.  That is the problem with publishing on websites.  If it goes under for any reason, all of those published works goes with it.  I do keep paper copies from that period of my writing life.  That was the time in my life that I discovered the importance of tracking submitted works and their publications.  Today it's all about spreadsheets and documents.

That was a fun writing exercise that I may try again someday.  The flash fiction, not the erotica.  My writing focus has since shifted.  As I mentioned before, I can be a private person.  Actually, it is more like I did not toot my own horn or boast about the things I did while I was doing them.  That is something that makes this blog different for me.  I am out in the open for acquaintances and strangers to see, promoting my process and the work as it is published.  Not much to hide then, right?

Until I get inspired by flash fiction again, I'll always have these poetic endings.


An author has a secret-
a life in the shadows;
hiding behind a pseudonym
not even her mothers knows.

Zagreb, Milan, Nice, and Barcelona

I just finished reading the latest book from Croatian author Maya Berger.  It is the stand-alone sequel to Girls with No Plans titled Zagreb, Milan, Nice, Barcelona:  The Summer of Heartache and Fickleness.  Not only does it make me crave a European adventure, but it also serves as a reminder of the drama and loyalty that young people have in their friendships.

Maya, Una, and their friends are traveling by vans with an end destination of Barcelona.  That is where Maya's boyfriend is studying.  For those who are in college or recently out of college, they can easily relate to the struggles of long-distance relationships and wondering about its longevity.  But what I also found true and satisfying is how European young adults meet up with others on their vacations.  They may not always be looking for a hookup, but they know how to socialize and make the best of their time together.  They may become lifelong acquaintances or international romances.

Of course there is always conflict, and nothing can bring conflict into a circle of friends than a couple who fight on the trip.  Their choices change all organized plans, but also allow them to see these wonderful cities in the most sporadic ways.  For me, it is those unexpected moments that make a trip more memorable and so difficult to duplicate.

Maya has fiction and nonfiction books available on Amazon. She has a strong Croatian voice but still breaks it down for international, English-language readers so they can understand the differences of culture and traditions.  You can link to her author page on Amazon here.

Disclaimer:  I received this book in exchange for my honest review.  All of these statements are my own.

The Foundation of Reading

I have always had a love for children's books.  From picture books to juvenile literature, I have devoured many books in my lifetime. 

It is more than just Dr. Seuss that has molded my life.  I remember when I was in third grade that my goal was to read every Nancy Drew mystery the school library had.  I ended up rereading them as well.  My mother would keep boxes of comic books in our van on road trips.  We read everything from Archie to Garfield and still looked up from time to time to see what state we were in.

I have always been older than the targeted reading audience when it comes to some forms of kid lit.  I was in college when Harry Potter came out.  There was no hesitation when I would pre-order the next book in the series for me, not my kids.  But I am not alone.  Do you remember the Twilight series?  Adult women were talking about where they were at in the book and lining up for girl's night in the theater.  If you ever go into the young adult section of a book store, do a quick guess on the age of the shoppers contemplating the selection on the shelves. 

Whether you are reading a book to someone younger or writing a book for a younger audience, the words that you put on that page are the ones that impact them.  Maybe your story will be the foundation of their reading future.  Maybe it will be a book that expands their mind for a brief moment before they pass it on to the next reader.  Maybe you will touch the adult that is reading it for the first time.  It's ok if they are not the target audience.  All you wanted to do is have your words touch your reader.  And it will.

A good book is one that has an impact on you.  Sometimes those books go beyond age, race, gender, and time.  Whether the foundation of your reading interests started with Hop on Pop or The Invention of Hugo Cabret, don't make excuses for the books you want to read today or the stories you want to write for tomorrow. 


Take a look in a book
and the wonders you see,
your mind's eye will wander
to what was, can, and will be

A Blogger's Welcome

Welcome to my blog!  If we have never had the opportunity to meet in person, allow me to introduce myself.

I have always had a passion for writing.  When I was in grade school, I was writing stories whenever I could get my homework done.  Much of it would qualify today as "fan fiction" of some of my favorite shows like Voltron:  Defender of the Universe.  Other stories were mysteries starring a number of my classmates (strange how the boys were always the criminals of these cases...).  Since high school, I have published poems and short stories.

I followed my dream to be a teacher.  I was motivated by Laura Ingalls Wilder to teach in a one-room school house, but my first classroom was in a rural school district far south of Chicago, Illinois.  My room was full of children's books because I always wanted a book in every child's hands.  It was easy to acquire books from yard sales and book swaps.  However, after ten years in the education system and after the birth of my second child, I stepped away from teaching to focus on my own little readers.  I have no regrets.

My world opened up to the occupation of "freelance writer".  Those years of writing for fun led to projects with new clients from around the world.  To date, I have published book reviews, blog articles, and book collaborations.  This blog will share many of the books and stories I have discovered over the years and introduce you to my latest and greatest creations.  If it was not a waste of my time, I will be excited to bring it to your attention.

There is more to come,
so much to read and write;
So take a seat, take a sip
And explore with great delight.