Readers often ask questions related to our business. Each author has her own path and techniques. For my part, I often write my ideas on sheets or a notebook without lines. This allows me to move them more easily. On the other hand, when I write, the computer is my main tool. That said, I also sometimes use a recorder so as not to lose musical ideas that I use (or not) as needed. The photo I posted today corresponds to the project I’m working on. For this one I called on other professionals to finalize certain parts (enlargements, rereading translation, advice, asked actors their opinion to make a proposition and to play)
The stage coach in Fantastic L.A.
As I most certainly said before, when writing my book Fantastic L.A. I drew certain elements and added details that allowed me to move forward in the writing. Today I present to you the stagecoach of Fantastic L.A.
Itinerary :
Use the wind. Choose a route with a starting point in the direction of the wind. The routes are not known until the day before departure.
1880
Equipage :
– Choose horses resistant to bad weather (thick coat protecting them from snow and rain).
– Change the hitch at each belay to avoid tiring the horses. Give them water and feed them well.
– Use specific harnesses and straps leaving them free to move while allowing support while driving.
– Horseshoes and hooves. Change, clean, brush.
Masterclass launch
I am pleased to announce the launch of my new Masterclass.
I am pleased to announce my new Masterclass. Selected by the C.N.L on August 24, 2022, sessions are still available for the months of October and November. I will soon give you news about the future 2023 session.
To find out more, go to this page.
Characters creation
During the writing process of Fantastic L.A, I drew sometimes elements of the story. To create the fictional character of Hortensia Tercero, I was inspired by the first women’s fencing competitions. The action takes place in the 19th century. Hortensia decides to take a stage coach, firmly deciding to go to the place.
Internet link :
California Dreaming
Radio is an important vector of information and culture. Before writing the first draft of my book Fantastic L.A, I supplemented my research by reading books on California history, articles and also by listening to the California Dreamin podcast series.
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Fantastic L.A map
The plot of my new book named Fantastic L.A takes place in Los Angeles. Because I never visited the city, I asked myself many questions about the history of L.A and the geography of its neighborhoods. I did not hesitate to seek advice from an artist living there. Pleasant Gehman has drew up a plan and answered my questions in writing. Collaborating with other professionals is a rewarding experience. Similarly, when I was researching numismatic, I called on a specialist in this field who worked in a Museum of the Pyrénées-Orientales. This allowed me to have a precise idea on the historical level. Then for the plot part, I let my imagination free to plunge the readers with me into a fantastic universe.
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Inspirations and places
When I’ve written a story, go to the places that inspired meaning. And very often, my visit reveals supposed elements that I had not thought of. As part of “duel in Albi”, after a walk in the park and in the city, I discovered several historical monuments as well as two museums, one dedicated to Toulouse Lautrec and one dedicated to fashion. It immediately made me think of fairy tales and theater stage costumes.
Changing your writing places
All authors have their writing habits. Some like to write quietly in their home, others in a park or any other place that inspires them. For my part, I like to write in my office and from time to time in another place. It’s like a kind of exercise that allows me to learn to adapt to different writing conditions. I sometimes go to a tea room where the decoration of objects fascinates me. Then, I need a little time to adapt to refocus. The type of writing is different from my office. I invite you to change your habits in writing in another places. Here are some photos.
Update knowledge
Internet allows you to research a lot of data and to save time. However, they need to be verified for each project and to go deeper is necessary. Very often, I follow specific training courses. Let’s take the example of detective stories and mysteries. Taking a few forensic science courses gave me some insights. Just like listening to authors of historical fiction expose their problems of writing. I have always thought that being opened to new knowledge and perfecting oneself in one’s profession were essential. Exactly as to teach them afterwards. All these exchanges are humanly enlightening.
Using your senses
Very often, it is our visual sense that is the most solicited. As far as I’m concerned, I like to experience the following from time to time during a walk: I watch and describe the landscape. It is a field where the hay has been cut, all around the trees and in the sky the birds. Then I close my eyes and listen. I hear their singing, the sound of a vehicle in the distance, the blowing of the wind.
Then I feel a cool breeze on my skin that gives me goosebumps.
Now I smell the multiple smells all around.
Then I touch a blade of grass. What gives me the most difficulty is the use of taste so I drink some water that I brought on my bike.
To improve the description of a text, I like to perform this exercise. It is possible for any chapter or scene.
