Kicking the Box and Be Free

I've taken up Thai Kickboxing and find it exhilarating, fun, and very challenging. To give you a better picture think of a 53 year-old woman who has never been athletic a day in her life suddenly kickboxing. I've been at it since the end of January. I'm a gold belt now. That's good for me. No, don't get all impressed because I have a long way to go.

Kickboxing does several things for me: relieves stress--I have major stress, strengthens my body--I have different medical issues, and takes my mind out of the loop. I get huge migraines at times and I've discovered that stress brings them on. My brain keeps working on things even when I sleep. If there's a lot of stressful things happening, my brain is running like a computer out of control and the migraine builds and explodes. Kickboxing has helped tremendously in making my brain focus on one small task at a time and lock out everything else. That's why I call it Kicking the Box. Think of the box as being all the things you have to do, all the things you expect of yourself, and all the things that others expect of you.

Kicking the box frees me. It could free you. If you aren't interesting in kickboxing, find something--anything that will help you kick the box. You deserve to be free. I knew I deserved it and I am.

Kicking the Box - Genre & The Labels of Life

I'm going to discuss "kicking the box" in several posts. It started out as a joke between me and my friends whenever I went off to kickboxing class. They would say so "you're going to kick the box" or "how was kicking the box?" But the term eventually took on a bigger meaning--bigger than thinking outside the box--exploding the sterotype--more like exploring the universe within.

I found the child within long ago--my child within is a mischief maker but as a child doesn't know enough to do anything really well. Now I'm looking for the Ancient Elder within. I want to know all the secrets of the universe. Wouldn't you, if you could?

One of the boxes I'm going to kick this week is because I'm a writer. I write science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance. I have written practically everything including non-fiction. Now I've been told it's important to being able to label a particular piece, but it appears to me that by doing that I'm limiting the audience for the story or book. I can think of several mainstream novels I've read which to me are clearly science fiction but are labeled mainstream. They reach a larger audience of readers by being labeled that way.

I've kicked the notion of labeling anything all my life from works of art or literature to people. But it appears people in general need labels to anchor thoughts on. They are not confortable in the total freedom of free thinking. So I've created my first non-label--Experimental Fiction. The label implies that this is an experimental form and you won't be able to pigeonhole it into one single aspect of life. So I must be a writer of Experimental Fiction. Sounds explosive doesn't it. Sounds surprising? Sounds like the unexpected could happen? Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Isn't that what literature--all literature--is supposed to be? Let literature move us, inspire us, and become part of our reference for life.

I'm going off now to write more Experimental Fiction. How about you?

A Quiet Tribute to a Great Artist

My mother died a few years ago. She was a great artist. Her name was Sultana Hanniford. She signed her work as S. Hanniford. My mom was a quiet, shy person. She was the former president of the Lyme Art Association and displayed in their gallery as well as the Mystic Seaport Gallery and many others. She painted primarily maritime scenes in oil. My father was entirely devoted to her. He gave me some of her art supplies, and I thought about it. I considered being an artist when I was a kid and following her to outdoor art shows and galleries in the Northeastern United States. But I'm a writer right down to my toes. So I didn't know what to do until today. I took the collection of unused watercolor pads and the expensive blocks of art paper to the university where I work and into the hall where the art classes are. I put up a sign: Free Art Supplies. I knew my mom would want artists to have them. By two o'clock, they were all gone. May the artists that found them today be blessed with great art. May their art inspire others, just as the work of Sultana Hanniford does.

Devoted to Films--See "Once"

I love movies, especially unique and magnificient ones. I saw one today that is called "Once." It's an Irish film and the splendor of it touches you in subtle ways and by the end you're breathless. It's a story. It's music. And it's art--masterpiece kind of art. Once you see it, you'll remember "Once" forever. I know I will.

--Susan Hanniford Crowley, author

The Challenges of Writing and the Unexpected Story

I've been torn recently between my urban fantasy novel which is almost completely edited and my sf novel. I've written mostly fantasy, but it's always been my dream to write a sf novel I could be proud of and what do you know--it came along. I started writing it longhand in a journal in October. Usually I write sf in the morning and edit urban fantasy at night. But sometimes I can't help myself. I thought I would never write horror. I don't care for horror that's just gore. I like horror that creative, inventive, amazing, and unexpected. I didn't expect to write two horror stories that I recently sent out to magazines. We'll see what happens.
When I think about growing up, I have to admit that I thought Charles Addams are completely funny. I adore Tim Burton's movies. I remember when I was in college and read the real stories by the Brothers Grimm. They were frightening and you could easily understand at the time how it would terrify children how not to do something or go somewhere. They weren't just gore but really great stories that you remembered for a long time. Poe, however, was my favorite. I still remember "The Tell Tale Heart" almost by heart. They were revealing stories that not only uncovered fear but sometimes uncovered the deepest part of our consciousness. I loved Sherlock Holmes too. I don't think it was ever any one story but the depth of the character. As the reader, I was willing to follow him anywhere.

Oh, to write such wondrous tales like golden spun dreams on the edge of a twilight reality.

That's all for now as the year begins winding down.

--Susan Hanniford Crowley, Fantasy Author, but now Science Fiction and Horror Author as well

Great Scenery to Write By

When looking for a place to mellow out and write, I have found some amazing ones. These two are very close by. You probably have a place nearby that you've never really noticed before.

This little public beach on the Connecticut shoreline is generally overlooked and nicely quiet. Perfect for plunking down an unbrella and chair and cooler and start writing. I'd rather not name it as I'm sure you'll find one near you..

This is a view of the Mystic River from downtown Mystic, Connecticut, and a lovely place to go shopping and/or eat when you're taking a break from writing. And it's so inspirational.







The day we went to Mystic there was a storm off coast and it made for some very dramatic skies. My photo doesn't really do it justice.







This is my little cat Isis. She has the right idea. After a hard day writing and windowshopping, a nap is the perfect inspiration.
"Ta ta for now," I whispered. "I'm working on another book."

Finishing a Novel - Archiving and Celebrating

Today I finished cutting 60,000 words out of my 160,000 word novel and it was still wonderful, still made sense. If anything, it made the novel faster moving, sharper in detail, and more riveting. Now I finish my letter to the agent and it's off. Wow! I'll celebrate really when the letter is finished and the whole thing is sent off. It's like launching a new ship. You put all this love and attention and sweat into it, and now it's going out into the world seeing exotic places and meeting people.

I love it when my work meets people. Sometimes I get to meet them too. If ever you see me at a con, please, by all means just say, "Hi!" I had one gentleman that followed me around and around. I finally turned and said, "Hi," and he asked me to sign his book. No problem at all. I'm very easy to talk to at a con. Like I said--I love meeting people.

Now in addition to the letter, I have to archive and make more cd copies of all the version of my book. I keep copies on paper, cds, flash drive back up, and friends. I have a few trusted friends that keep versions of my book for me. It's important to keep all these copies. Yes, I know it's a bother. But at least you'll have them if you ever have to prove you wrote the book.

This is also going to help me with the next book, because I have one cd archive where I have each chapter as a separate file. You see some of the chapters didn't make it into this book, but they will make it into the next one in the series. The mind is a funny thing. Writers don't always get the book in chronological order, so a chapter archive is very handy indeed.

Ta ta for now. I'm off to archive some more and celebrate!

Comments and Writing Exercises and more

I've discovered an unusual phonomenon. People will talk to me about my blog but don't usually comment. I'll get calls. Sometimes I'll be at a conference and someone will walk up to me and start a conversation about it. Well, anyway.

I have over 50 creative writing exercises posted on my official website currently. It's at
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com if anyone wants to try their hand. I've received comments on how helpful they are. I hope they can help you out too.

Lately, I'm in the final edit of my book, after a close friend did an amazing intricate edit of it. Now I'm editing and rewriting on bits and pieces. Next it will be out the door soon. For a while, while I was waiting for him to return it, I worked on another book. I also spent some pleasureable time watching movies. I was so blown away by "The Lives of Others" and "The Illusionist." I highly recommend them as 5 star quality film with brilliant plots.

I also have been trying my hand more in photography. Now if I can only get them downloaded to my computer. I plan on sharing them soon.

Ta Ta for now.

An Enchanted Place

For over 27 years, I've been privileged to live in an enchanted place. It's inspired my writing. My children have grown up here. My marriage has been happy here. I live in the woods of Connecticut in a very modest house. The house is surrounded by a dark green leafy forest in the back and sides and a planted overgrown tree garden in the front that transforms it into a very private place where golden light shines on cherry trees and tufts of grass on the hill sparkle with dew in the morning. This is the same hill that when snow covered provided the perfect sledding path for my children. I remember the time when they were on top of the hill close to the tree that separates us from the street with their sled and our dog Sabrina (half-Rottweiler and half-Doberman). I looked out the window and saw Sabrina sliding down the hill and into the bushes on her own. My girls were laughing. Sabrina actually loved sledding.

We have a giant pear tree (14 ft. high) on the other side of the shed. Last year it rested deciding it had provided enough pears for the family, friends, squirrels, and bees. When we bought it, the nursery had labeled it a dwarf tree so we were surprised when it kept growing. When that tree was still young in the yard, a hurricane ripped it out of the ground. My husband reseated it. I had read about talking to plants so I spent time talking to it. It seems to have enjoyed our conversations. Half the pine trees in the yard started out as Christmas trees that we planted. Each started with the family in a warm cozy home and then was given their own special spot in the yard. I prefer planting plants that show independence. The French pussy willows, the rhododendrons, holly, day lilies, etc. all came from me. The other pines, oaks, birches, cedars, and wild black raspberries and wild grapes all came from the Master Gardener. Together we built an enchanted world where dreams came true, fantasies happened, children played games, adults dreamed, and there was one heck of a Pooh party.

For the uninformed, a Pooh party is a tea party where each participant brings one stuffed friend. While the refreshments were delightful and the games fun, the company was excellent and that's what makes for a magnificent Pooh party.

Well, you're going to think I'm crazy but in about two years' time we're leaving. My husband loves the seashore where he grew up. I love the sea too. Health-wise it's probably better for me. Besides new stories are calling me from far away. I don't know where we'll end up, but I know the journey will be grand. So in moving from one enchanted place in search of another, I have learned it isn't the place, it's the company you keep that makes the magic.

Nebula Awards® Weekend

Yes, I admit it. I took the Star Wars personality test and I'm a Yoda. Actually being that way has helped me a lot in putting on the multi-author book signing at the Nebula Awards ®Weekend. This conference is all about the business of science fiction and fantasy writing. If someone was interested in what being a sff writer is all about, this is the conference to come to. In addition to the book signing, I'm doing a reading at the Nebula Awards® Weekend, Marriot Financial Center hotel in New York City on Saturday, May 12th at 4 pm.

Here's the book signing details.

2007 Nebula Awards® Weekend
Multi-Author Book Signing
Friday Evening, May 11, 2007
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Borders Book Store 100 Broadway (at Wall St.) New York, NY 10007

Authors & Times
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Peter S. Beagle
Keith R.A. DeCandido
Marianne Dyson
Carol Emshwiller
Esther Friesner
James Gunn
Joe Haldeman
Elaine Isaak
John Moore

6:00-7:00 p.m.
Christopher Barzak
Richard Bowes
Ellen Datlow
Scott Edelman
Jeffrey Ford
Theodora Goss
Ellen Kushner
Jack McDevitt
Nancy Jane Moore
Delia Sherman
Jennifer Stevenson
Paul Witcover

7:00-8:00 p.m.
Marleen S. Barr
Kate Brallier
Tobias S. Buckell
David Keck
James Patrick Kelly
John Kessel
Nancy Kress
Wil McCarthy
Suzy McKee Charnas
Ron D. Moore
Jo Walton
Connie Willis

A Passion for the Movies--The Holiday

I've always loved movies and for a time wrote movie reviews for two local newspapers. Of late, there are pitifully few movies I would recommend except: I have to recommend highly "The Holiday" with Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law. It is romantic fun at its best. Working with the delightful premise of two women with broken hearts changing locales, it just keeps getting better. Recently I saw it again to comfirm that I was in love with the film, and I was. This is one for stormy nights drinking cocoa by a fire and wanting to forget a sad, weary world. And for the guys that say that this is a "chick flick", I have to say even my husband liked it. It's all around fun, inventive, and leaves you feeling all warm and happy.

Five Stars for "The Holiday"

The Passion to Write

I have put over 80 creative writing exercises up on my website. Just when I think I can't come up with something new, I do. That makes me very inspired.

Recently I've been editing my novel that I finished before Christmas. I was reading it and it was like someone else's book. I laughed. I cried. And when I was through I was inspired to write. Well, if I feel that way about my own book, I'm sure someone else will too.

Someone once asked me why I write? I told them because I breathe.

I can smell the ocean.

Today is January 5th and the temperature is 50 Degrees F. It's a little overcast and drizzling ever so slightly. The air is wonderful. I can smell the ocean.

Just so you have a frame of reference, I live in the woods down the street from a lake, 20 minutes away by car from a major river, and 45 minutes from the ocean. Today I definitely smell the ocean and it's filled with stories. I've loved that smell all my life. You inhale it and it's like an adventure coursing through your body. It frees the captive heart. When I smell the ocean, I don't think about errands or work, I think only of the endless possiblities in life, washed up on my shore.

Last night I stayed up to 3 am completely entranced with a short story I'm writing. It was such fun, I wasn't sleepy in the least.

Learning

Yesterday I had a scare. No one died or was injured. A web page was accidentally deleted. This page took almost a month to create. I couldn't find the backup file. A colleague was able to find it and restored the page within 5 minutes. Then he taught me how to find the backup, where it was stored, and how to restore it.

I learned a new skill thanks to a mistake and the colleague that rescued my mistake. Still I learned. That's exciting to me.

Writers Who Inspire

I find it interesting when I meet someone, and they mention my other website www.susanhannifordcrowley.com. Usually it's because they are trying the writing exercise for the week. It's nice to be told that I inspire someone to write. After all, there are several writers I can name that have inspired me.

Marion Zimmer Bradley personally inspired me, first by my reading her work, second by her wonderful rejection letters that told me exactly what was wrong, and third when I learned something from all those rejection letters and started getting published.

Ursula LeGuin inspired me with her book The Lathe of Heaven. I couldn't get that book out of my mind. Isn't that what it's really all about in the relationship between authors and readers--making those characters or that story or both so memorable, that you'll remember it for a lifetime.

Anne McCaffrey wrote a book called The Ship Who Sang. It's another story that sails through my mind at times. I know a lot of her readers love Pern, but I can't forget that conscious "living" ship of hers.

Ray Bradbury inspired me with practically everything he's ever written. My favorite is still The Martian Chronicles. That woman calling every phone on Mars makes me laugh.

The story that took my breath away was written by Robert Heinlein. It was called "The Green, Green Hills of Earth." It is the ultimate heroic story. I know there have been other heros, but I always come back to that story. Perhaps it's the idea of how much home really means to someone who misses it. I can't read that story without crying.

Now you know who has inspired me.

Confluence, making friends, and writing

I was at Confluence in Pittsburgh the end of July, and it was wonderful. My three hour writing workshop went exceedingly well. The panels I participated on were fun, as well as the panels I attended. A friend of mine was facilitating the Saturday morning writing exercises and asked me to co-facilitate. That was fun too. I got to see my roomie from Worldcon Interaction, and I got to meet an old friend from Critters. I actually met so many lovely people at Confluence. It's a very warm and friendly con, and I spent a large amount of time chatting with folks both in and out of the con suite. It's a con that if you can get your room on the same floor as the con suite, it is definitely worth it. They had the most outrageously funny musical. Apparently they also have their own theater group that worked hard producing the musical play. It's definitely a con to relax at, though I can't say that I did. Being that it was my first time at Confluence, I wanted to see and do everything, and I almost did.

I got to stay with a lovely couple, Jim and Laurie. It was great to be around people who value books as highly as I do. They have the most amazing library. Another guest at their house was Lawrence Dean, a famed Filk singer from the UK. I got to hear him sing, and yes, now I have his cd. They also ran the most amazing and intriguing party. I was able to chat with the incomparable William Tenn about matters concerning the world, truly a once in a lifetime experience.

When I got home, of course, I ran immediately into the regular worlds with all its problems. But I didn't care, because I was on a Confluence high of energy and high spirits. A few days later, I was sick. A friend told me that was my coming down from my huge expanse of energy. No matter, it was all worth it.
I've been writing like a maniac. I actually wrote at Jim and Laurie's house, as well as at Confluence. I always write like a maniac. I just want to be able to write faster without so much needed editing. I've been sending out stories to magazines, query letters to agents for my fantasy novel manuscript, and writing a new fantasy novel that I never intended on writing. I belong to the online Critters critique group, and they have really inspired me.

Three editors have asked for another story. I've got to get back to writing.

Writing Workshop at Confluence 2006

I enjoyed facilitating the Special Workshop at

Confluence 2006
http://www.parsec-sff.org/confluence/
The Eighteenth Annual Literary Science-Fiction and Fantasy Conference in Western Pennsylvania
July 28th -30th, 2006
Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport

Writer's Workshop:
Writing Characters that Drive Plots Wild

The talent in the room was immense, and I'll be looking for those names in the future.
Confluence itself is warm, hospitable, intellectual, and fun.
I had so much fun, that it is difficult to say what I liked best.
If you've never been to Confluence, put it on your list to attend.
It's a blast!

Special Writing Workshop at Confluence

Special Workshop at Confluence 2006
http://www.parsec-sff.org/confluence/
The Eighteenth Annual Literary Science-Fiction and Fantasy Conference in Western Pennsylvania
July 28th -30th, 2006
Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport

Writer's Workshop:
Writing Characters that Drive Plots Wild!

Learn a practical approach to developing a hero or heroine, a villain, and a teacher or sidekick. This is a hands-on writing workshop focused on making your characters so riveting, endearing, frightening, or intriguing that readers will love them and need to read what will happen next.

Pre-con assignment: Watch Episode IV of Star Wars. (You know the first one with Luke, Leia, and Han Solo.) You are welcome to bring characters you are working on.

Facilitator: Susan Hanniford Crowley, SFWA member, writing teacher, and workshop facilitator for over 20 years.

This workshop will run from 5-8 on Friday afternoon, so you must be at the con by 4:30 to attend.

This workshop is open to Confluence members only. You need to register for the convention before you sign-up for the workshop. Be sure to bring paper and a pen; laptops are OK but we may not have enough power for everyone.

This workshop is limited to the first 12 Confluence members who E-mail Susan at onlyladyknight@yahoo.com.

Spread the news about great movies! - Serenity

I'm suffering from not enough great movies out there. They're lame. They're boring. It's time to spread the news about the really great ones out there. Maybe you have seen them. I know I was surprised when I saw "Serenity." I didn't expect it to be so visually exciting with an actual storyline. It even threw some surprises at me. I saw it when another sf writer was a house guest, and frankly, I was nervous. I figured if the movie was bad, he'd never come back. He loved it too. So for the sf lovers out there, I recommend "Serenity" with four out of five stars. They could have just gone one more inch in one scene, but I'll forgive them that.