Leah Lindeman's Blog

SUMMARY NOTES

Hey everyone! Here are my summary notes for the video where I share my top three tips to make your writing pop with vivid, visual flair. If your prose feels flat, these basics will help you engage readers’ senses and emotions. Let’s dive in:

Engage the Five Senses: I talk about using touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell to paint a picture with words. When describing settings or characters, aim to include at least two or three senses. For example, a character might have a warm vanilla scent or a harsh alcohol breath. I suggest creative ways to weave in taste (like fresh snow) and a fun exercise: close your eyes in different settings, like a coffee shop, to tune into sounds and boost your auditory descriptions. For dialogue, I recommend observing people’s tones and body language to make your characters’ voices and emotions feel real.Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying “he was mad,” I explain how to show emotions through actions and specific details. I love The Emotional Thesaurus for this—it breaks down physical signs, like pacing or clenched fists, for emotions like anger or anxiety. I also share an example from my novella His Girl, where a character bites his lip and fists his hand to show anxiety. Another gem is from War and Peace, where Tolstoy describes a feverish flush and a childlike neck to reveal a character’s vulnerability. Pick precise nouns and verbs during editing to keep your writing dynamic and avoid generic phrases.Use Similes and Metaphors: I highlight how similes (using “like” or “as”) and metaphors add depth. For instance, in my novella, I describe a character’s fisted hand “as if gripping a lifeline.” Metaphors are even more powerful when they blend concepts seamlessly, like Tolstoy’s War and Peace comparing Russia to David slaying the French Goliath. I suggest piggybacking on well-known myths or stories for impact. I also read a colorful passage from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall to show how specific colors (sky blue satin, blood red silk) create vivid character visuals.

I wrap up with examples from my current read (Poe’s tales) and my own writing, encouraging you to try these tips and share in the comments which one you’ll focus on. These notes capture the heart of my video—hope they spark some ideas for your writing!

SUMMARY

Routine Flexibility: I discussed how writing routines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, finding what works for you is key. I personally lean towards being a night owl but have tried early morning sessions too.

Daily Writing Goals: I aim to write for at least 30 minutes daily, targeting around 500 words. However, I recognize that not everyone can commit to daily writing, so I suggest writing at least every two days to keep the habit alive due to the body’s memory of recent activities (72-hour rule).

Exercise and Writing: I emphasized the link between physical activity and mental clarity. Movement, whether it’s walking like Charles Dickens or doing HIIT like me, prepares your brain for focused writing sessions.

Distraction-Free Environment: I shared how crucial it is to have a clean, distraction-free space. Clutter can lead to procrastination, so keeping your writing area tidy is essential.

Music as a Catalyst: I use music to set the mood for writing. Creating or choosing a playlist that resonates with your project’s theme can help channel emotions into your work.

Writing Sprints and Breaks: When inspiration strikes, I advocate for riding that wave, but also stress the importance of taking breaks after about 50-55 minutes of writing to refresh and maintain productivity.

Consistency Over Perfection: Building a routine is about consistency rather than perfection. It’s a muscle you develop over time, helping you keep up with your writing goals, especially when motivation wanes.

Encouragement for Viewers: I encouraged everyone to share in the comments what routine tips they found most helpful or what they plan to try, fostering a community of writers who support and learn from each other.

SUMMARY

My Writing Space Tour:

Introduction: I welcome everyone to “Pen to Paper” and invite them into my new writing sanctuary.The Secret Globe: I start with my secret compartment globe, not just a piece of art but also where I keep my collection of whiskies, including a special Singleton from the UK and a locally sourced one from Niagara Falls. I enjoy these for special moments like book completions.Vintage Gramophone: I share insights about my hand-crank gramophone from 1925, which I plan to sell, and introduce my more cherished, albeit slightly malfunctioning, Victrola gramophone.Desk Exploration: I show off my roll-top desk, a dream come true, detailing its hidden compartments and the nostalgic items I keep there like my mother’s painted letter box, my 1800s inkwell, and a new Scrivener fountain pen.Desk Highlights: I mention using a feather quill for book signings and showcase my Underwood typewriter, another key piece of my aesthetic.Literary Nook: I talk about my ongoing projects, like a short story set in Peggy’s Cove, and display my various journals for different uses like prayer, gratitude, and daily notes.Special Artifacts: I reveal personal items like opera glasses from the 1950s and a piece of history linked to Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Canada, plus my “Lady Leah Lindeman” declaration due to Scottish land ownership.Reading and Relaxation: My cozy reading chair is paired with a blanket from a friend, where I’m currently reading “War and Peace”. Nearby, I have a modern Victrola for my growing vinyl collection, blending old records with new.Book Art Wall: I describe my unique book art wall, made from repurposed books, showcasing my love for literature and art.Conclusion: I wrap up by reflecting on how this space has transformed my writing process, making it more productive and joyful. I encourage viewers to find or create something in their environment that sparks joy or inspiration.Call to Action: I ask viewers to share what in their space brings them happiness and suggest adding something special if nothing comes to mind.

This tour not only gives a glimpse into my creative environment but also shares personal stories and the significance of each item, linking them to my life and work.

SUMMARY

Introduction:

I welcomed Madeline Nixon to my channel, Pen to Paper, to discuss her latest work, “Not Actually,” which was released in November.

Madeline’s Background:

Madeline shared she was named after the famous children’s book character, Madeline, by her sister.She’s from Ontario and has authored three adult books alongside 14 educational kids’ books.She’s also an editor and has been writing since high school, where an encouraging teacher sparked her passion for writing professionally.

Writing Journey:

Her professional writing started after a high school assignment where her teacher recognized her talent.She pursued professional writing at university, leading to her diverse portfolio.

Inspiration for “Not Actually”:

The book was inspired by a scene in her previous novel, “Emergency Lullabies,” involving a nanny at a library event.The title “Not Actually” came from a playful pun on “Love Actually,” suggested by her mom, influencing the book’s theme and scenes.

Character Development:

The main characters are Zoe and Kieran. Zoe is described as spontaneous with a complicated background, leading to her life upheavals at the start of the book.Their relationship is characterized by banter and history, feeding into their chemistry.

Challenges in Writing:

I asked about the difficulties she faced, and she mentioned a particular scene at the end of “Not Actually” took a week and a half to write due to the complexity of getting it right.

Writing Process:

Madeline discussed dealing with imposter syndrome and writer’s block. She emphasized the importance of persistence, knowing your process, and community support.

Transition to Romance:

Although her first book was about ghost stories, her love for romance stories in various media led her to write in the romance genre. She’s now exploring paranormal romance with a ghost hunters’ love story.

Upcoming Projects:

Madeline talked about her involvement in the Valentine’s anthology, “Heart’s Lock, Love’s Key,” featuring a snowed-in, enemies-to-lovers story.She’s also working on a Christmas novella with a witchy twist, aiming for a June 2025 release.

Advice for Writers:

She advised new writers to listen to their own rhythms, not forcing writing when inspiration isn’t there, and to find or create a community of writers for support and inspiration.

Social Media and Engagement:

Madeline is active on multiple platforms under the handle @markedwithanM. She discussed the varying effectiveness of each platform for writer-reader interaction.

Personal Touch:

We shared a moment over the nickname “pumpkin” and discussed our shared interest in ghost stories and haunted places, including a light-hearted detour into Scotland’s ghost lore.

Conclusion:

I encouraged viewers to explore Madeline’s work, follow her on social media, and look out for her new releases. We wrapped up with a mutual appreciation for the writing community and the joy of storytelling.

SUMMARY NOTES

Theme for 2025:

My theme for this year is “renewal,” focusing on reigniting my passion for classic literature.

Reading Goals:

I’m moving away from my previous goal of 52 books annually to a more curated list of 26 books, emphasizing depth over breadth.

Classics Reading Plan:

January:I’m tackling War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I’ve dedicated a whole month to it after a previous rushed attempt didn’t work out.March:The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe is my choice here because I adore Poe, and I have a stunning edition to enjoy.May:Bleak House by Charles Dickens is on my list thanks to a friend’s influence and my own interest in Dickens.July:I’ll dive into The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, exploring Middle English literature.September:Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky – I’m excited about this one, although it’s dense, it’s shorter in page count than some others.November:Little Men by Louisa May Alcott will wrap up my year, hoping for that cozy, festive reading vibe.

Reading Strategy:

I’m giving each classic a month to fully immerse myself, ensuring I don’t rush through the reading.For the months without classics, I’ll indulge in “mood reading” and might join readathons if they fit into my schedule.

Community Engagement:

I’m excited to start the Classic Ink Book Club on Facebook where we can discuss these classics together, share thoughts, and learn from each other.I’m looking forward to hearing which classic you’d pick if you were to start reading them.

Additional Reading:

If I finish a classic early, I plan to mix in some Shakespeare plays, given his foundational impact on literature.

Viewer Interaction:

I’m curious if you’ve read any of these classics or which one you’d choose to start with if you’re not a fan.I also want to know if you have a personal word or theme for 2025. Share it with me in the comments.

Key Points:

My focus is on quality reading with classics.I want to create a community reading experience through my book club.My reading plan is flexible, allowing for mood reading alongside the structured classic reading.

SUMMARY NOTES:

2024 Recap:

Engagement: Acknowledged a slight dip in engagement at the end of 2024 but expressed excitement for new changes in 2025.Unborn Melody: Released on February 2nd, it was a pivotal moment that defined the year with a focus on momentum.Audiobook Release: “Redeemed from the Ashes” was finally released as an audiobook in April after eight years of recorded files sitting unused.TV Appearances: Made two appearances on TV, highlighting the book trailer on Rogers Daytime show in Ottawa.Tulip Festival: Celebrated with family post-TV spot, followed by a book signing.Paperback Releases:“Ghost of My Heart” – Sequel to “Redeemed from the Ashes,” set 11 years after the Halifax explosion, released for the first time in paperback.“Scathed Bones” – Sequel to “Wisps of Gold,” based on the legend of Agnus McVee, released in October.Events: Participated in 21 in-person events, including book signings and book fairs.Eastern Ontario Writers Festival: Co-founded with Emily Murray, Melissa Yi, and graphic designer Josee Plourde. A successful first year with plans to expand in 2025.Canada’s Book Events Directory: Started with a friend to connect readers with authors across Canada.

2025 Goals and Plans:

Theme: Renewal, focusing on work-life balance with a maximum of two events per month.Writing Projects:Aiming to write short stories and poetry.Collaborating on a Canadian murder mystery anthology for fall release.Planning the release of the novella “His Girl” as a follow-up to “Unborn Melody.”New Services: Offering to create book trailers for authors in genres like historical fiction, thrillers, contemporary romance, and fantasy.

Channel Changes for 2025:

Content: Continuing with writers’ tips and advice but introducing more author interviews to broaden perspectives.Studio Tour: Next video will feature a tour of the new writing space, including a roll-top desk and gramophone.Call to Action: Encouraged viewers to share their 2025 writing goals in the comments.

Additional Notes:

Expressed gratitude for community support and excitement for the upcoming year.Provided contact info for author interviews and book trailer services.Encouraged likes, subscriptions, and comments to support the channel’s growth.

SUMMARY NOTES

Transition and Challenges
I share personal updates, mentioning that my regular video schedule may slow down due to moving around my studio space. My studio is relocating from a separate building into my house. This shift may temporarily affect my content production pace.

Current and Recent Projects
I recently released the paperback edition of Scathed Bones, a Canadian mystery-thriller inspired by the infamous serial killer Agnus McVee. I highlight my writing journey and the story’s thrilling elements, which blend Canadian Western themes with mystery and suspense.

Scriptwriting Experience
I reflect on adapting my book Redeemed from the Ashes into a stage play script. I describe the creative challenges involved, like condensing the story to 6,500 words, restructuring the timeline, and letting go of some characters. I explain how my primary goal was to create a powerful experience for viewers, encouraging them to explore the book afterward.

Creative Tools and Software
To write the script, I used StudioBinder for its formatting guidance. It helped me transition from novel writing to scriptwriting, focusing on efficient dialogue formatting and scene structure.

Reflection and Celebration of Accomplishments
Lastly, I take a moment to appreciate my productive year, which has included multiple book releases, a steady book tour, and my first attempt at scriptwriting. I invite viewers to share something they’re proud of accomplishing this year.

You can buy Scathed Bones on Amazon.com or .ca!

SUMMARY

Attending a writing conference in person might seem daunting or unnecessary, especially when online options are so convenient. However, I’m here to tell you why the experience of an in-person event can be transformative for your writing journey. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, the benefits are worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Let me share three key reasons why you should consider it.

1. In-Person Learning is Unmatched

The energy of an in-person event offers a deeper learning experience that can’t be replicated online. Being in the same room as your instructor means absorbing not just their knowledge, but their passion and essence in a way that truly resonates. You also get to ask questions on the spot and engage in real-time conversations, adding a valuable immediacy to your learning.

2. Building Community

Writing can feel lonely, but attending a conference helps you connect with like-minded people. For extroverts, it’s a chance to thrive in a room full of new connections. But introverts, too, can benefit by bringing a friend or taking necessary breaks while still being part of the communal atmosphere. You never know who you might meet—possibly even lifelong friends who understand your writerly struggles.

3. Opportunities for Growth

Conferences provide opportunities you might not get otherwise. These range from pitching your book to agents, participating in first-page critiques, or even speaking on a panel yourself. While these experiences can be intimidating, they push you to grow and improve. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to take risks—because that’s how breakthroughs happen.

Final Thoughts

In-person writing conferences can help you expand your comfort zone and grow as a writer in ways you might not have considered. Have you attended one yet, or are you thinking about it? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s support each other in our writing journeys!

SUMMARY

In this blog post, we explore the art of writing a captivating villain, a crucial element in creating a memorable story. I share my insights and experiences from writing my novel Wisps of Gold and draws comparisons with the Darkling from Shadow and Bone.

Key Points:Villains Provide What the Hero Wants or Needs:A compelling villain must offer something that the hero desires, whether it’s an experience, power, or attention that the hero cannot obtain elsewhere.Example: In Wisps of Gold, the villain gives the heroine a sense of thrill and interest, similar to how the Darkling provides Alina with attention and purpose in Shadow and Bone.The Villain’s Charismatic or Mysterious Nature:A great villain often possesses charisma or a dark, enigmatic presence that draws both the hero and the reader in.Villains like Gaston in Beauty and the Beast showcase charisma, while characters like the Darkling intrigue through their mysterious nature.Power, Prestige, and Influence:Villains often command attention and respect due to their power, wealth, or social standing. This allure can make them more attractive and dangerous.The villain in Wisps of Gold uses these elements to command fear and influence over others.Moral Struggles:A villain with a struggle of moral compass is far more interesting than one who is purely evil. This internal conflict keeps readers guessing and adds depth to the character.The villain’s struggle can involve a person or ideal that challenges their evil objectives.Unyielding Determination:Despite their moral struggles, a true villain will stop at nothing to achieve their evil goals, making them genuinely terrifying.The Darkling’s obsession with power, despite his feelings for Alina, exemplifies this relentless pursuit.Final Thoughts:

My tips highlight the importance of depth and complexity in writing villains. Whether it’s through charisma, power, or moral conflict, these elements are essential in creating a villain that readers will remember long after the story ends.

Read Wisps of Gold: Books2Read or AmazonShare Your Thoughts: Who is your favorite villain in literature? Let me know in the comments!

SUMMARY

Even though writers love words, we tend to cheat on them by spending a lot of time with blank pages.We’ll also opt out of dates with our writing for housecleaning. We’re really not doing well for ourselves.We hear voices, LITERALLY!We can become emotionally unstable very quickly.There’s a good possibility we could become a danger to ourselves and those around us.