Where Stories Are Made is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It’s where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals.
My guest today is urban fantasy author Jocelynn Drake…
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Where do I write?
A Fortress of Solitude?
A Bat Cave?
A secret (maybe they just wish it was secret) place where I can hunker down and get lost in the world of my creation?
In truth, it appears that I’ve written all six books from different locations over the past few years. I have a tendency to move frequently and it’s been difficult to settle in one place. However, I think I’ve finally crafted a secret lair, collecting the most critical of items so that my writing mojo is not only protected but enhanced by the space.
Today, I’ve decided to grant readers a special tour of my secret lair in which I work. But be forewarned: there are things here that may frighten you into turning back before the tour is over. Don’t worry. I will protect you … this time.
First off, to greet any visitors that enter my lair is a white ceramic mask of a shrieking Jack Skellington. This was a Christmas gift from my younger brother several years ago and has always resided by the door to my office. This mask is used to immediately scare away any negative vibes that might be trying to enter the office and attack me from behind as I work. The mask has done an excellent job so far.
Next, we come to my work space itself. I love my large desk, which is a hand-me-down from my parents when they decided they no longer needed such a large area to work at. I was more than happy to take it off their hands as it now houses a large collection of my most important research materials AND can hold two computers comfortably. Yes, there are days when I will find myself working at two different computers at the same time. Those are usually not good days. Directly beside my large monitor are my essential reference guides: dictionary, thesaurus, quotation book, Chicago Manual of Style, and my Character Naming Sourcebook. Despite having two computers at my disposal, I also keep at least one legal pad and pen handy. Sometime, I just need the feel of paper beneath my hand or something easy to capture that quick, random thought before it flutters away.
Directly above my monitor is my second layer of guardians: my gargoyles. This is the gang, with Fred as they leader in the center. They watch over me as I work, protecting me against self-doubt and occasionally writer’s block. They also keep the positive mojo flowing as they work in tandem with Jack at the door. As a way of saying “thank you,” I am working on a way to fit them into a book as a biker gang of gargoyles, but don’t tell them. It’s still a surprise.
And finally, one of my favorite little spots is in the far corner of my lair is a picture that I picked up at Disney World a few years ago. The saying below is by Walt Disney and states: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Accurate statement.
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Wait for Dusk: Out Now
You can find out more about this feature HERE
9 Comments
Love the ceramic mask, and I wish I had a desk like that. So much space!
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Love your gang of gargoyles!
xx,
E.J
From the Shadows
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Oh I like the Disney statement too
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Can't wait to hear more about the biker gang of gargoyles! Sounds like a fun premise for a book!
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I love the 'Where Stories are Made" segment – such a great idea. Jocelynn – I love the color of your walls and the Disney plaque is wonderful. You've had so many different spaces in your life – is this one your fav?
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The entire space is very nice and good thing you got a hand me down that came in handy, that is quite a nice desk and working area! I love green walls and against the wood it looks peaceful and serene..
Thanks Caroline and Jocelynn for today's installment of where stories are made, I love to peek like this!
jackie ^_^
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This is a really neat feature! The mask was cool too
Also, you have an award waiting :0)
http://idsoratherbereading.blo.....award.html
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I will be waiting for more info about the biker gang of gargoyles. It sounds like it is an exciting book to read. I can't wait for that book.
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I really like Where Stories Are Made posts. On top of that Jocelynn Drake is one of my favorite authors so this was really cool! Love the Jack Skeleton mask and the gargoyles! A biker gang of gargoyles would be awesome!
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