It's funny how themes seems to surface amongst many of my writer friends at the same time.

Whether it's being inundated with too many ideas all at the same time (I know I'm not alone in feeling this, as evidenced by fellow writers Aaron Polson and Barry Napier's recent blog posts) or letting go of various things that block our writing, it just shows you how, even though we're on our own different paths, we seem to go through many of the same trials tribulations and experiences.

So the theme lately seems to be letting go — from Jenny, who is letting go of expectation in favor of motivation, or Nicole, who is allowing her Muse to come through (even if it scares her) by letting go of a too-rigid mindset in order to tell a story unique to her.

Lately my own adventures in letting go seemed to be focused on putting aside stories that do not seem to be working. One of the comments on Nicole's post about being stuck on a story stemming not from writer's block but more about wanting to make the story work, even if it was flawed, really hit home to me.

If you've been reading my blog for the last little while you'll see that I keep adding more #WIPs to the pile rather then finishing them.

It's hard to let go, especially when you've spent so much time on a story already, but I find that you can chip away at a story for so long, but eventually it comes to the point where you know whether the story is working or not. Often letting go is the best thing you can do. Maybe I'll be able to put the finishing touches on all those stories that are half-finished some day. But for now, I'm letting go of the ones that are stalled and going where my creativity is taking me instead of forcing myself to finish them simply for completion's sake.

I don't look at it as giving up or failing. It's not like I've put the tales completely out of their misery by trunking them. After all, my unfinished story trunk is a virtual one and it can always be opened again when the mood strikes me.

Maybe those ideas just need to percolate a little while longer…

My Current WIPS

• the tweet-inspired tale is almost finished! Hoping to send it off to critique peeps next week
• also hoping to brainstorm on that idea that started whispering to me last week
• will be going through my current list of "stalled" WIPS and seeing which ones I can salvage

Fellow WIP Wednesday posse:

• Aaron Polson – WIP Wednesday: Oh Revisions, Where Art Thou? 

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments! More info on the WIP Wednesday initiative can be found at Kate Karyus Quinn's blog.

Fellow members of The Creative Alliance:

• Nicole Ireland: And The Flood Gates Have Opened
• Patrick Pillars: Novel-Tone News
• Jenny Hudock: Crossing The Streams: Writing Real Life
  
• David Sobkowiak: Time, See What's Become Of Me 
• EG Talbot: How's That Time Thing Workin' Out For Ya?

When Jenny isn’t writing stories for her Dark Journeys Story Collection; writing, polishing and recording her podcast Goblin Market; or crafting an article for one of her many freelance columns around the ‘net, Jenny is coming up with creative ways to promote her equally creative endeavors.

And somehow, not only does Jenny manage to do all this with a smile (and the occasional Crazy Hair Day), she also devotes much of her time to supporting and networking with her hoards of writerly friends.

Needless to say, I’m stoked to be hostess to Jenny today, and I invite you to check out her thoughts on various aspects of being a writer!

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Hi Jenny! Thanks for stopping by! Can you start off by telling everyone about your background – when you first started writing and what you write.

JH: I have been writing since I was about ten years old. I started out writing stories about an alternative life for myself, in which my father was a rich and famous rock star, which was a great escape. I continued writing all through high school and my early twenties, on top of being a mother and working full time as a waitress/bartender/line cook at a sports bar. After September 11, my outlook on life shifted a great deal, and I found myself staring at my future with a sense of desperation. I wanted to do more with my life, so I enrolled at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, and went on to get my bachelors degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.

I write a lot of different things, from dark fantasy and horror to poetry and creative nonfiction. I've even been known to write a little romance now and then, but prefer to linger in the abnormal realm of the unexplained.

Since you have been writing and sharing your work online for so long, what changes do you see in the community and in publishing? What would you like to see happen that has not happened yet?

JH: I have been sharing my work online for about seven or eight years now, and during that time, I saw a huge shift in presentation mediums. It used to be just electronic print sites where writers gathered and hosted their work for feedback, or eZines, and then the audio fiction scene exploded. Because so many people have access to the Internet now, I have seen more people taking a chance in getting their work out there because they can be more anonymous on the Net. Not everyone does, but I think it's made people a little braver.

What I'd like to see happen that seems to be developing now is writers and creatives of all mediums taking control over their work on a more independent level. It's like we're taking our ideas back and keeping them, rather than selling the rights to them to some big publishing company. It's harder work, of course, but I feel like it's far more rewarding.

Speculative fiction – including Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror (and all their sub-genres) – are often seen as male-dominated genres. Do you think that stigma still exists? Do you think publishers or readers still act as though women writing these genres are a novelty?

JH: Yes, I do think it still exists. Two great examples from my own experience that I can share include my first publication in an anthology. Last summer, my short story "Two Weeks" was published in a zombie anthology put out by Living Dead Press. I was the ONLY woman in the anthology, which shocked me a little once I realized it because I know some amazing women who write horror (yourself included.)

The second experience wasn't personal in that it happened to me, but I witnessed it. Last year at Pittsburgh's Horror Realm, my fiance, James Melzer, was on board with Permuted Press to speak on panel and promote his upcoming novel, "Escape." Out of all the writers at the convention, Rhiannon Frater was the only woman there.

I think it's shifting, as more women prove themselves in the genre, but it definitely still seems to exist.

How do you handle wearing so many hats as a writer – authoress, editress, marketing maven etc.?

JH: I drink a lot of coffee… I am also incredibly self-abusive. I am not happy, it seems, unless I'm juggling about a billion different things at once, and while a lot of people might have a nervous breakdown under those conditions, I think I would breakdown if I wasn't doing it.

What misconceptions do you think people have about self-publishing? How would you/have you tried to blow these misconceptions out of the water?

JH: One of the most popular misconceptions people seem to have about self-publishing is the quality of the work isn't the same. That's just not true. I've read some self-published work that was better edited than mainstream publishing house novels. So many mainstream publishing houses now pay editors to comb through the work and maintain a certain level of quality, but sometimes it's lacking.

I like to provide samples, and in some cases, full stories free. This gives readers and listeners a chance to check me out without the risk of spending their hard-earned dollars and winding up disappointed.

If you could impart one piece of wisdom onto up-and-coming authors who are faced with new mediums for sharing their work and an ever-changing landscape in the book & publishing world, what would it be?

JH: As with anything you face in life, trying to go against the changes is going to tire and burn you out. Bend with the wind so you don't break. Explore all avenues and refuse to give up in the face of adversity. You are a writer for a reason, and you owe it to yourself to keep following that which makes your soul feel fulfilled.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Jenny! Now, let everyone know a bit about your upcoming adventures, places to find you, and any parting words you are itching to share.

JH: I have a pretty full plate right now. I'm editing two charity anthologies, editing the final draft of Goblin Market before sending it out to my awesome team of volunteer editors for feedback and advice. I'm also working on the sequel to Goblin Market, Jack in the Green, which I hope to start podcasting this July. One top of that, I've also got the Dark Journeys Short Story Collection going strong, with three more stories to put up before I compile them all into one big anthology with a bonus story. There is also Running Down the Moon, a horror novel I am working on, which is about halfway through the first draft stage and in the midst of some editing as I steer the plot back on track.

I'm pooped, I tell ya! But I wouldn't want it any other way.

I am so excited to be here on your blog, and grateful you invited me here to visit your readers! Anyone who is interested in finding out more about me is welcome to visit my official website at http://jennybeans.net

* * * * *

For those of you who want to hear more about Jenny and her creative life, check out the other stops on her Dark Journeys Blog Tour!

May 14, 2010: Jim – Yes, THAT Jim
May 17, 2010: Edward G. Talbot
May 19, 2010: Morgan Elektra of Trickster Moon Productions
May 21, 2010: James Melzer’s UNLEASHED
May 21, 2010: Ramblings of English with Chandra Jenkins
May 24, 2010: Paddy’s Wanderings with Patrick Pillars
May 27, 2010: Drew Beatty
May 29, 2010: Scrivener’s Circle with David Sobkowiak and Laura Frechette
June 2, 2010: Nicole Ireland
June 7, 2010: Scott Roche
June 9, 2010: Superficial Gallery
June 14, 2010: Slushpilehero
June 16, 2010: Jason Warden of ShadowCast Audio
June 18, 2010: The Feckless Goblin

Except…there's this other idea. Another new idea. It came to me after reading a few lines of an article. There I was, happily diving into a little light reading and bam! Two sentences in and there was a flash in my head of a story idea.

I'm not complaining. I love it when that happens. But didn't I already mention that I have a WIP pile that rivals my collection of argyle socks? (Author's Note: I have many,many pairs of argyle socks)

Needless to say, I'm kind of torn. My pile of WIPs is eyeing me suspiciously now. But what have those WIPs done for me lately? If the words (and ideas) were flowing, I would have completed them already. All I'm doing is running where my Muse takes me. I can't help it if this Shiny New Idea seems to hold more promise at the moment.

I'm a magpie. I like sparkly things. And this new idea – she's all blazing and brilliant right now.

Ooh…shiny!

My Current WIPS

• a tweet-inspired tale that creeps me out a bit. I hope it does the same for my readers when it is complete!
• that crazy, dream-inspired WIP has stalled at the moment. Not enough of a creep factor yet. Maybe the plot needs tweaking…
• another idea for a serial is percolating behind-the-scenes. I've managed to stave it off for now. We'll see how long that lasts. But the outcome could be quite "dreadful"…
• novel-series idea that I might try to explore in short story form first

That is barely the tip of the WIP-iceburg, but I'd rather have too many ideas than none.

Fellow WIP Wednesday posse:

• Aaron Polson – WIP Wednesday: Here There Be Children
• Barry Napier – questions, a story, and some WIP Wednesday
• Cate Gardner – WIP Wednesday: Turning The Other Butt Cheek
• Jamie Eyberg – Rotating Characters

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments! More info on the WIP Wednesday initiative can be found at Kate Karyus Quinn's blog.

Fellow members of The Creative Alliance:

• Patrick Pillars – Junk Drawer, June Edition
• Jenny Beans – True Blood Marathon
• Veronica Giguere – I've Finished! Now What? 
• Nicole Ireland – Examining Lee DeWyze
• James Melzer: Wednesday Wildcard

Also, be sure to check out Part One of my interview with fellow author Ian Rogers. Part Two will be up tomorrow! And my interview with Jenny Beanses is coming up this Friday!

Above kaleidoscope photo:  Alessandro Paiva

So, although I know part of the reason you are here is to see how I go about my journey as a writer, there's an extra prize inside the box. 

I'm going to take a break from talking about my insomnia, strange dreams, and ever-growing list of WIPS and shine the light on a few of the many writing superstars that I have the pleasure of knowing.

Here are a few chats that I'll be sharing in the near future with my fellow writers:

• My buddy Barry Napier is making some serious waves in the writing community. Poetry, shorts, novellas, comic books – Barry has his finger in so many creative pies that I just have to find out how he does it all and still manages to find the time to consistently recommend great music to me. I'll be posting an interview with him soon in my Writing column
• Another cool writing guy, Ian Rogers, has been kind enough to answer my very open-ended query for his experiences working with small presses, and I'll be putting that up soon, as well. Plus – he dressed up like one of the Dharma Initiative for Halloween. How can you not want to know what makes Ian tick?!

2 of my fellow Creative Alliance members will also be answering some hard-hitting (and hopefully not half-baked or hair-brained) questions soon.

• I'll be showcasing the – yes, THE – Jenny Beanses this June as part of her blog tour
• Plus, I'll be getting a sneak peak at Ro Van Saint's new ebook, Tales From The Abyss, and will be providing you with a double-shot of writerly tidbits, including an interview and review of the story

Phew! Seems like I've finally come out of hibernation! The writing life? It's good, my friends.

Oh yeah…..remember that little giveaway I mentioned? Look for the details to drop in the coming week or two here and on the Like Flies To Honey page. And get ready to put your thinking caps on. Free swag! You know you want it!

Fellow WIP Wednesday participants:

• Aaron Polson – WIP Wednesday: More Fistfights, Please
  
• Cate Gardner – WIP Wednesday: The Shifting Theatre
  

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments! More info on the WIP Wednesday initiative can be found at Kate Karyus Quinn's blog.

Fellow members of The Creative Alliance:

• Jenny Hudock – Dark Journeys #9: The Gentle Sound of Tapping
• Patrick Pillars – Time Warp
• R. Van Saint – Sneak Preview of Tales From The Abyss Cover Art
• Chandra Jenkins – On the willing suspension of disbelief
• Vange – Obnoxious Cat

Photo: sanja gjenero

I'll bet you didn't even know that yes indeed, we do have a beach here. And the good thing about going to the beach on a Monday in the middle of May is the place is virtually empty (or at least compared to how crazy it gets in the warmer months).

Sure it was overcast, and at times a little breezy but it was a relaxing day nonetheless. I saw a house for sale that literally backs onto the beach (and will cost a cool $2.5mil for any serious buyers).

So, although my hopes of sitting in the park or on my deck overlooking the beach & writing everyday while enjoying a mocha have been dashed, I did find the perfect spot (which I refuse to share…unless you want to meet me there) for those times when I do happen to be lakeside with my notebook in hand.

Pair the above with a little hike, a trip to the movies and a drive to Kingston for the best wood fired pizza (which we watched the chef prepare from our front row seat at the bar), my WIPs haven't seen any progress in the past few days (and I seem to have fallen off the blog wagon for a week, as well).

And I'll be honest with you. It wasn't all that difficult to let go of it all and relax for a while. I'm still not sure whether that's a good or bad thing, but I'm about to find out as as I open up my WIP for the first time in 5 days…..

Fellow WIP Wednesday participants:

• Aaron Polson – WIP Wednesday: Guns and Ammo Edition
• Cate Gardner – WIP Wednesday: Death to the Red Pen
• Barry Napier – piles & piles of poetry

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments! More info on the WIP Wednesday initiative can be found at Kate Karyus Quinn's blog.

Fellow members of The Creative Alliance:

• Acadia – Lost Spoilers
• Guest blog from R. Van Saint at The Feckless Goblin
• Interview with Jennifer Huddock by Edward G. Talbot
• Patrick's pTelevision
• Drew Beatty's wonderings…
• More of the Jenny Huddock blog tour with Morgan Elektra
• Another in Nicole Ireland's author interview series