So, what have I been doing this week? Watching lots and lots of Olympics, certainly. Who knew how interesting the trampoline could be? Who even knew there was a trampoline event at the Olympics?? I’m also loving Kate Cambridge’s colored jeans and cute striped tops. Plus, how hilarious is this Jezebel article about the top ten reason why Ryan Lochte is the world’s sexiest douchebag? Good times….
But I am also trying to finish a new book, a Regency for Harlequin. Wrapping up a story is always the hardest part for me. Beginnings are fun, easy–the book is so shiny and new! The characters haven’t made me mad or veered off on weird pathways yet! Even middles aren’t bad, because I usually know what I’m trying to say about the characters at that point, we’ve gotten to know each other better and I see the shape of the plot clearer. But endings–ugh. For one thing, I always think I am closer to The End than I actually am, and it always takes much longer to get there than I plan. Stuff doesn’t want to get solved, or it gets solved too fast. When I feel frustrated, I turn to my Inspiration Board.
I actually have a cork board hanging on the wall next to my desk, where I stick things like postcards, book covers, scraps of fabric, whatever catches my attention. (Also lots of pics of my 2 year old goddaughter being incredibly cute). But now I’ve also started inspiration boards on Pinterest, to which I am completely addicted. Yes, it’s yet another way to waste time online (like I needed another one of those!), but I also like looking at images that help me get a concrete idea of my book in my mind. Plus there are always pics of cupcakes on there somewhere. (You can follow me there at AmandaMccabe)
So what’s on my Pinterest board for this book?
This is the heroine’s house, called Barton Park in the book. It’s an important part of the story–she moved back there when things went bad in her marriage, to live quietly with her sister and try to make sense out of what went wrong with her husband (and why she still loves him). It has to be once-grand but now sort of shabby…
This is the garden maze, where important plot events happen…
This is the hero, Hayden, who is now sorry for what he did to lose his wife and now has to find a way to get her back…
This is the heroine, Jane, who at first doesn’t want to take him back…
See how fun this can be?? I also have boards for my Mary Queen of Scots book “Tarnished Rose of the Court” and the new Elizabethan mystery series, as well as a Wedding Ideas board.
What would be on your Idea Board? What are you watching on the Olympics??
I finally joined the rest of the world and watched the women’s gymnastics well after the fact. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t like the “in your face” quality of it–it didn’t make me feel like a spectator so much as a voyeur.
Yes there certainly are some strange sports. But I heard a piece on NPR about how the early 20c Olympics included poetry contests. I wonder what they wore?
Poetry contests??? They need to bring back that event immediately! 🙂
I haven’t been watching the Olympics, and I usually love them. I’ve been keeping an eye on the medal numbers, though and am delighted that the UK is doing so well!
I’ve turned into a Pinterest addict. I pin all sorts of things including recipes I’ll probably never make.
I love it for saving potential hero and heroine images and setting ideas. And clothing ideas.
I am watching just about everything I can. I have really enjoyed women’s volleyball, both regular and beach (although I think my DH is enjoying the beach a bit more). The gymnastics, swimming, and diving have been next. I watch the track and field, but don’t enjoy that as much. As always, I look forward to the opening and closing ceremonies. You never know what they will come up with. The closing ceremonies are usually so full of joy, they are a delight to watch.
My idea board would have pictures of where we are taking our next trip. All the places I want to see and special things to look for.
Love that garden gate pic!
I’ve been watching the complete videos of the equestrian competition. There were forty cameras plus an aerial-cam on the cross-country course! In Jane-world it’s not really a sport unless a horse is involved.
I’ve been cleaning up after a camping trip, having central air installed in the house and fighting a summer cold! Between activities I’ve been resting and watching the Olympics. Somehow I enjoy almost any sport when it’s the Olympics.
As far as idea boards, I occasionally look back at the collage I made for the balloonist story, images of balloons and John Corbett (as he was in Northern Exposure, sigh).