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Trish St.Hill

Tag: creative-writing

  • BIRTH OF A NOVEL Part I

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    My trip back to the Caribbean was not only peaceful, it was productive. It allowed me to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York and afforded me some time for reflection. It was a time to balance resting and creativity, enabling me to complete the initial draft of my fourth novel. I embarked on a journey to take my readers through the writing process without giving away the story – my mindset, struggles to stay focused, and strategies used to take me to the finish line. Some days were filled with jubilation, some lacked drive, but giving up was never an option. I learned that writing encompasses many skills that are not necessarily related to a pen or typewriter, but rather a combination of lifestyle habits that ignite creative juices that gently guide you to completion.

    My day started with the need to ignite my creative energy after a restful night. The small dose of news I digested on my smartphone, before climbing out of bed, allowed me to keep in touch with the outside world. A breakfast of corn porridge with fresh fruits or a smoothie was the perfect nutritional start to my day. Before embarking on my writing, I first opened my windows, being reminded of how times had changed. Each window greeted me with burglar bars, reminding me that the days of living carefree in St. Vincent were gone. Today, these structures are a common accessory in Vincentian homes, and so are security systems. It was a reflection of innocence lost.

    As I opened my windows, I could see my neighbor’s dogs waiting dutifully on my front porch, wagging their tails, eagerly awaiting their morning treats. Since I arrived in the village, this family of dogs befriended me – mother dog Little Bit, father dog Brownie, and their two lookalike pups. I start my day feeding them treats on my front porch and end it by saying goodnight to them as they take up post at my front door at night. Their staunch defense of me was admirable – causing me to reflect on the converse of man’s ingratitude versus the loyalty of man’s best friend. The two pups each looked like their parents, causing me to name them Little Bit 2 and Brownie 2. Playing catch with them as I feed them treats was the highlight of my day as they moved closer for my generous belly rubs. Sitting on my porch admiring the lush mountains surrounding the village was calming as I observed the sounds of nature – the butterflies buzzing around the flowers, the hummingbirds drinking nectar from the colorful flowers, the sound of birds perched on my window sills, and the sound of the gentle stream gliding slowly towards the ocean.

    With my energy charged and my fill of nature’s tranquility, I was ready to write, stopping only to aid my circulation or grab a snack. Writing came easy on some days, but difficult on others. I constantly reminded myself to give myself grace and know that the dry spells would pass. As I got closer to the end of my book, I started reflecting on the book’s name, engaging in reflection on the story and trying to see what pops at me. Writing each title, I would resort to intermixing pieces of various titles. When no title seemed to fit, I reflected on the essence of the story for guidance. If nothing fits, I sounded each title out while envisioning the morale of the story. Eventually, a title would fit as snugly as a glove.

    Next, I must create a subtitle that clues us into the spirit of the story without giving away the narrative. For example, my third novel was titled “Tears of Exile” with the subtitle “A story of Suffering, Resilience, and Survival.” This process required me to delve deeply into the themes and underlying messages of my novel, ensuring that every word resonates with the journey I’ve crafted. Each title reflects a crucial element of the tale, urging me to encapsulate the essence of my characters and their experiences in just a few compelling phrases. The complexity of this task is partially why I’ve come to cherish this part of the writing journey; it allows me to reexamine the story I’ve meticulously woven together.

    Once the subtitle is created and the epilogue is written, the book will go through a rigorous round of proofreading and formatting before heading to the printer. This stage feels monumental; it’s not just an end but also a new beginning. The anticipation of sharing my work with the world fills me with excitement and dedication. The thought of launching this book, engaging with readers, and receiving their insights and reactions brings an electric energy to my creative process. I am elated to be at this stage in the writing of this novel and look forward to launching it with you. My time in the Caribbean has not just inspired my creativity, but reinvigorated my spirit and reminded me of the beauty of blending reflection with productivity.

  • DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

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    As I plow through the first draft of my current novel, my overactive imagination is in overdrive, fueling a creative storm that refuses to settle. In my genre of writing (historical fiction), intricate plots are meticulously woven, tension-filled suspense is built, and multifaceted characters come vibrantly to life. From the beginning, I take special care to map my story, engaging deeply in character development – What is the essence of the story I’m telling, who are these characters that populate my narrative, and why do they exist within the rich tapestry of my fictional world? As I mentioned in an earlier article, it is crucial to always have a clear vision of how your story will conclude, allowing the plot to naturally unfold while worrying least about the title of your book.
    Sometimes, during this creative journey, you may realize there is a potential conflict in the ending of your story; it becomes essential to unravel and clarify that before you proceed further. Once you have a solid understanding of what your narrative is about and how it is destined to end, it’s time to create your characters, keeping in mind that their names might evolve as the story progresses, reflecting their journey. The main characters are pivotal, yet without the careful weaving in of minor characters, the story could fall flat and lack the richness it deserves. Backstories are developed and evolve over time to provide depth and substance to the overarching tale, and often to offer contrasts that highlight the characters’ personalities and depth. This is precisely where my skill of descriptive writing comes into play, allowing me to immerse readers fully in the world I am crafting. There are many ways to articulate a scene in a book, each with its own unique impact – a plain, straightforward description may serve its purpose, but a richly descriptive approach draws the reader in and engages their senses. See two versions of the same story below.


    (1) Hawk stood before the mirror, splashing his face and neck with cologne. He had prepared his outfit: black pants with a turtleneck and a gray dinner jacket. He was happy to be…

    (2) Splashing his face and neck generously with cologne, Hawk examined himself in the long mirror placed strategically against the wall. Turning to the side, he ensured his hair was brushed immaculately. He had taken great pains to pick and prepare his outfit, ensuring he looked fashionable. His black pants and turtleneck, paired with a grey dinner jacket, fit perfectly on his muscular body. A large gold chain dangled alluringly against his black sweater. Waves of excitement washed over him as he contemplated his…

    In example one, Hawk is getting dressed and is obviously preparing to go somewhere. In example two, we are pulled in by the generous amount of cologne he splashes on himself, the fragrance no doubt filling the air, creating a sensory experience that speaks to his desire to make an unforgettable impression. His careful examination of his profile in the mirror, making sure his hair looks good, adds an extra layer of texture to the story, reflecting his self-consciousness and attention to detail. the description emphasizes his desire to stand out. We know he took great pains to ensure he picked out a great outfit, each choice meticulously thought out, from the color of his shirt to the style of his jacket, and we are even given details about his accessories, such as the gold jewelry that accentuates his outfit. Additionally, we get a little glimpse into his emotions; he is obviously going out on the town, perhaps on a date, and the excitement mingles with a hint of anxiety, suggesting that this could be a pivotal moment in his life. Example one is plain and lacks details or descriptive writing, while example two is rich with imagery and emotion, pulling us into the story and invoking the complex feelings of the character.

    Essentially, there is a plain way to say something and a descriptive way to say the same thing; descriptive writing not only creates a mood but also gives a vivid and clear picture of the character’s surroundings and inner thoughts. It allows you to truly feel their emotions, whether it be joy, anxiety, or hope, making you root for or against them. It often sets the tone for whether you want to finish a book or put it aside to be visited another day, as well-crafted descriptions create a bond between the reader and the story. It is the essential ingredient that determines how we feel about a character or a storyline, influencing our engagement and investment in their journey.

  • START WRTING AND KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

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    Getting Started with Your Book

    As stated in an earlier post, there is a book in everyone. Whether it’s poetry, a cookbook, an autobiography, a novel, a children’s book, self-help, or a how-to book, it’s in there. But how does one get started?

    For some people, it is about finding motivation. For others, it’s about time management, and sometimes people just don’t understand the process and how to begin.

    My Approach: Story Mapping

    One of my approaches is to take as little as one hour to jot down my layout, or what I call story mapping. My books are novels, but for most types of writing, it may simply involve making notes. If you have a computer or tablet, type it in. Start right where you are with whatever tools you have. Use the time you allocate as your special time to unwind rather than stress.

    For instance, after you have put the little ones to bed, and have done the dishes and laundry, take an hour or even 30 minutes for yourself to jot down your ideas. Don’t worry about format and errors at this stage; these are things a good proofreader and editor can iron out for you later on. You should never proofread your own work anyway.

    The Importance of Getting Started

    The important thing is to get started. If you take public transport, use that time to make notations. During your lunch break, use 15 minutes to write. The book is within you, and getting started is within your reach.

    Maintaining Momentum

    But how do you keep the momentum going once you start? Once you begin writing, commit to your scheduled writing time. Some days, you may write 10 pages; other days, only a paragraph. Even if you don’t write directly for your book one day, you might jot down reminders or research questions. It’s okay as long as you stay committed in some way.

    Crafting Your Writing Style

    You may also want to spend time crafting your writing style. It’s important to be authentic and develop your own voice, but it never hurts to observe the work of other writers in your genre. You may pick up simple formatting styles or recognize patterns in your errors that can improve your writing.

    Consider taking an online writing class. My first book was handwritten because I did not have a typewriter or computer. By the time I began to type the book 25 years later, I realized the story fell flat in some places. Writing historical fiction is challenging because, while it may have some historical context, the characters can be fictional.

    I decided to take an online class called “Descriptive Writing.” It was immensely helpful and contributed to a richer and more descriptive storyline.

    Conclusion

    Whether you are just starting your writing journey or seeking to enhance your skills, remember that the most important step is to begin. Embrace the process, stay committed, and your book will emerge.

  • The Cultivation of my writing Career

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    I remember from the age of 9, that I would find a quiet valley above our house. I would sit quietly on a rock and gazed off into the nearby village of Kearton’s, nestled serenely on a hilltop. I dreamt of far-off places like America and wrote short stories. My mother often thought I used daydreaming as a way to escape chores. I did hate chores, but my escapism was truly based on my curiosity and a desire to write and take my mind to far-off places.

    My handwriting was the worst. At school, I would put my heart into a short story only to have my teacher give me a failing grade. One day he called me to the front of the class. “You are a great storyteller,” he said. “but little girl, why do you have so many scratches in your writing? You scratch out just about every other word. I have been failing you all this time because I couldn’t make out what you were writing. I forced myself to read this story, and except for the scratches, it is excellent. Why do you scratch stuff out so much?”

    “I don’t know,” I responded nervously, wringing the hem of my uniform.

    “Maybe you are thinking way faster than you write. Slow down and take your time and try not to scratch out so much.”

    I walked back to my seat elated as if I was walking on a cloud. My handwriting was never the best, but I took my time and stopped scratching out every other word. My confidence was boosted and my passion for writing short stories grew.

    I read everything I could get my hands on and wrote stories every chance I got. I began to engage in people watching, which together with my overactive imagination, fueled my writing further. After high school, my sister and I started a new business until I left for the U.S.A. As with most young ladies, I soon met and married my first husband. It was the trauma and pain from that marriage that propelled me to write my first novel. This was truly a case where my imagination saved me from insanity. Stay tuned to how I came to write my first novel, “Beneath The Golden Mango Tree.”

  • Welcome to my Blog

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    My Journey as an Author: Inspiring Other Writers

    Writing has always been a passion of mine, but the journey to becoming an author has been filled with ups and downs, challenges and achievements. Here’s a glimpse into my experience, along with some lifestyle strategies that have helped me along the way.

    The Beginnings

    I started writing at a young age, jotting down stories in notebooks and writing short stories. Little did I know this was the seed to my writing career. However, the path to becoming a published author was not straightforward. I faced countless rejections, self-doubt, and moments where I considered giving up entirely. But each setback taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and imperfection.

    Finding My Voice

    One of the key turning points in my journey was learning to embrace my unique voice. I realized that no story is too small or insignificant, and authenticity resonates with readers. By writing what I was truly passionate about, I found my style, and my writing began to flourish.

    Key Lifestyle Strategies

    To sustain my writing habit and nurture my creativity, I adopted several lifestyle strategies:

    1. Set a Writing Routine

    Creating a consistent writing schedule helped me develop discipline. I set aside dedicated time each day to write, allowing me to make steady progress on my projects.

    2. Read Widely and Often

    Reading a diverse range of genres expanded my understanding of storytelling. It provided inspiration and introduced me to various styles and techniques that I could incorporate into my own writing.

    3. Stay Organized

    Using tools like planners and writing software helped me keep track of my ideas, deadlines, and submissions. Staying organized reduced stress and allowed me to focus on the creative process.

    4. Embrace Feedback

    Constructive criticism is a critical part of growth. I sought feedback from trusted peers and editors, which helped me continuously improve my work and gain new perspectives.

    5. Take Breaks

    Writing can be mentally taxing, so I learned the importance of taking breaks to recharge. Whether it’s a short walk, a day off, or engaging in a different hobby, stepping away from writing can bring clarity and new ideas.

    Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

    To anyone on a similar journey, remember that every writer’s path is unique. Embrace your struggles and celebrate your milestones. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and don’t be afraid to share your work. Your stories matter, and you have the power to inspire others through your words.

    Let’s uplift each other in this beautiful journey of writing!