Christy Shuler

When I wrote my first novel, I still had quite a bit of learning to do. I consider the entire process one big educational experience. When I wrote my first draft, I didn't feel like I knew my characters very well. As a result, some scenes were difficult to get right. Reactions and dialogue didn't seem genuine. For the second draft, I decided to go through the process of fleshing out the characters and as one would imagine, had a much easier time writing after that. The experience taught me that writing without fleshing out one's characters is like marrying a stranger. You just don't know what you're getting yourself into. For my current writing project, I decided to start on the right foot. Not only did I want to get to know my characters, but I knew that I needed to keep this information organized. Main Characters: I did some research online and found several character worksheets. They usually vary a little bit, but I took from them what I needed. Mos

A lot of writers talk about their favorite writing soundtracks and for good reason. Music stirs up so many emotions that help when you are brainstorming different plot points or character reactions. Personally, I use a project-by-project method when building a playlist. When I start something new, I'm automatically on the lookout for great songs to spark different emotions that I'll need when writing. I love YouTube because I can make myself an inspiration playlist and just sit back and let the creativity flow. I thought it might be fun to share some of my all-time favorite writing soundtracks and some that are inspiring my current work. Finding Neverland - Tempo varies, but a lot of great piano work that always tends to sweep me away. Edward Scissorhands - I love the entire soundtrack, but there is one score in particular that pulls at my creative heart strings every time.  One Tree Hill - Whether or not you are a fan of the show, if you are looking for gre

There was a tree that stood alone It had been split in two With fortitude it lingered Past the bolt that shot it through In winter, rain, storm or shine Both halves stood fixed by roots The left side weak and broken The right tall and absolute The seasons passed The summer went And soon snow piled high On top the left side hanging low Beneath the harsh cold sky Its branches snapped Its bark howled too The right side lost control The left side landed, roots exposed It died a half made whole - C.R. Shuler

"Be ruthless about protecting writing days, i.e., do not cave in to endless requests to have "essential" and "long overdue" meetings on those days. The funny thing is that, although writing has been my actual job for several years now, I still seem to have to fight for time in which to do it. Some people do not seem to grasp that I still have to sit down in peace and write the books, apparently believing that they pop up like mushrooms without my connivance. I must therefore guard the time allotted to writing as a Hungarian Horntail guards its firstborn egg." - J.K. Rowling Amazing quote by J.K. Rowling which hits the nail right on the head. It seems whether you write full time or not, one can never seem to get enough hours to actually sit down and put fingers to keyboard. As for myself, I work a full time job and write on certain nights and weekends. I am always saying to myself where does the time go? I've recently started using a pretty