Writing Space

Hello From Sunny LA!

January 30, 2023 by jackiecthomas 2 Comments

Hello All!

It’s been the better part of a year since I posted, and there’s decent reason for that, I moved across the country last May for work. It has always been a dream of mine to live in Southern California. I tried for a few years to find the right job that would bring me out here, and last May I found it. The entire transition happened so quickly that it is a bit of frantic blur now.

What an adventure it has been so far too, and so much fodder for writing, it’s like a literal goldmine. I took the job in early May and by the end of May I was an Angeleno. I loaded up my car and drove across the country with my King Charles Cavalier and myself. We drove across the country to go ahead and start the new job and find a place for my family to join me. I rented an adorable Airbnb in Studio City and lived alone for the first time in my life while I looked for more permanent accommodations. I found myself in a new job, a new city, and a new living situation all at once. I look back at it now and I cannot believe I made it through one of the most difficult and transformative periods of my life so far.

Adjusting to life in California has been interesting, complicated, and wonderful. I consider myself to be so blessed to be able to drive down to the ocean just about whenever I want, or hike in the mountains. Life is totally different out here, with it’s own quirks that I am still learning. The seasons are very strange to me, as someone who comes from the midwest where there are four distinct seasons.

I am learning so many wonderful things, like green juice, I am obsessed! I love how easy it is to eat healthy out here. The weather is incredible, and it seems that a couple of times each week I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road as i drive through the mountains on my way to work, they’re just so beautiful!

Despite all of that beauty and newness, I’d love to say that I’ve been writing like crazy, but until recently I went though a little bit of a dry spell. I finished re-editing a book for resubmission to a potential agent. I’ll send that off shortly, and that is exciting. L.A. has been a strange spot for inspiration but it is finally starting to flow and I am so grateful.

I have so many unique experiences at my disposal now through this transition. I actually started a project about a woman who moves from Chicago (different circumstances) and her celebrity crush falls for her! This has been so much fun to write, and some of the scenes are based on my real-life experience with celebrity sightings. This project has been so much a blast to work on!

It is my hope that as I now venture out of the transition phase of this journey and settle in, that writing will continue to go well, and that it can resume as the significant part of my life that it is. I am hoping to dig back into the writing community, on Twitter (or what’s left of it) and get back to writing.

Below are some of the photos of life in California from this Chicago-girl.

I Finally Made it to Half Moon Bay!

February 10, 2022 by jackiecthomas Leave a Comment

The View from David’s balcony…….

A few years back I wrote about the importance of place. I was reading my first work, Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown while I happened to be visiting New Orleans. In my years of travels I’ve been able been lucky to experience the feeling and cultures of other cities and towns.

When I wrote my first novel, Sailing in Silicon Valley, I wrote about a place I’d never been to. I asked friends and family about the area and pieced what I could from the internet. As I did multiple re-writes I swore each time, that the next time it would be in Half Moon Bay, California, where a good part of the book is set. For a lot of reason, that didn’t happen.

So at the urdging of those around me I finally booked a trip to Jackie’s first book land. I rented an incredible Air B&B further down the coast, and set off for the land all things David and Naomi. Years back I’d traveled to the Napa by myself but it had been quite a while since I’d traveled alone. My week away was to decompress and relax after the two most stressful years of my life thus far.

I also wanted to make the most of being where my first book was set. I arrived late on a Sunday evening and as I drove south from the airport in San Francisco, I cut over to Highway 1 to cruise along the Pacific, and right through Half Moon Bay. I was driving where the characters in my book would drive. (Side note here: Yes, I know my characters are not real, but ask any other author about their characters and they’ll go on like they’re family members. It’s an author thing!) As I crested tall hills the sunlight was the most beautiful golden yellow color, and suddenly there was the Pacific Ocean. I had finally made it to Half Moon Bay!

As I drove, I tried to take in every little detail, and stay on the road at the same time. I was mesmerized to be somewhere I’d written about, researched, and discussed constantly as I wrote. Originally, I’d tried to stay in Half Moon Bay but it didn’t work out and I ended staying about an hour south of there at my own (rented) beach house on the coast.

I fell asleep each night to the sound of the ocean as my characters would have, and I walked on the beach like they would have. What an experience!

Falling asleep to moonlight over the ocean and waking to the waves at dawn.

I took one whole day and drove around Silicon Valley. I went to Apple because I think that is most like the company in the book. I had a fancy coffee in their gift shop, and then wandered around Stanford for a bit. I had a decadent lunch in Palo Alto. The whole thing was like living pages in the book and it was incredible.

I’d love to gush on about how it recharged me as a writer, and I started or finished a new work, but the truth is… I wrote a little and nothing of consequence. But this trip wasn’t about that, it was about resting and recharging. I did however read an incredible romantic comedy, on the balcony overlooking the ocean. It was so good I read it in one day! The book is called The Optimist by Sophie Kipner. I seriously could not put it down. It is laugh out loud funny, and I usually am not a big romantic comedy reader but this one was a treat!

I am currently querying, and looking for representation for Sailing in Silicon Valley. Not matter what happens, this book will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my very first novel. It will now hold a special place because it was the catalyst for this incredible experience. Seriously, if you have the opportunity to experience something like this, do it! I only wish I would have went while I was still re-writing.

Being a Full-Time-ish Writer One Month On

October 1, 2020 by jackiecthomas Leave a Comment

Hello all. Boy time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? A little over a month ago I stepped away from my job in the corporate world to devote my time writing full time AND to assist my kids with their elearning. As the school year for my grade school aged children began, it was apparent that something was going to give, and I made the choice to step away. That being said, I recognized that there was an opportunity to fully lean into putting my efforts towards writing full time. My husband who is also an author, fully supported and encouraged this course of action.

So one month in, I have a lot to show for this past month. I self-published my first book! This was a huge deal for me. It’s the first time I’ve ever done this and boy is there a learning curve here. I was lucky enough to know how to use Adobe to layout my print edition, and cover design. I also had to learn Amazon’s KDP for the ebook. Page numbers, author accounts, and royalty structures, there was and still is so much to learn. BUT… It’s been fun so far. I am grateful to have had the time to dedicate towards, instead of having to sneak it in after work or on lunch breaks.

I’ve also continued to query for another completed novel that I wrote a few years back. My dream is still to go the traditional publishing route. I sent out my first round of queries in early September, and I am surprised to say I’ve heard back from most agents, granted it was a pass, but that’s okay. I will say the more I query, the thicker my skin gets, and that is a good thing. I queried last year for a different novel, and almost hit the 100 query letters sent mark. So querying continues and I’ll keep you all updated on any developments. I just keep reminding myself it only takes one yes, to change your life. Keep going!

All of this being said, while all of these endeavors are relevant to writing, they’re not actually writing. So I am happy to report that I’ve started writing a new project. I’m about 20K words in, and while it’s still a romance, it’s different than anything I’ve ever written before. Set about a hundred years in the future, in a new America, how will Willow find safety and love? So far the writing is going very well. That is in part to my husband who has shoved my computer, headphones, and coffee at me each morning to write in the seclusion of my bedroom while he readies our children for their day of elearning. When the school bell rings, I stop writing and am plugged into their needs.

I’ve been lucky enough to be able to write here and there during the day, between math lessons, and snacks, but overall it’s not a productive time for writing. So I’ve learned to use this time for other writing endeavors, such as marketing Quarantine Stories, learn KDP, or read. I’m reading an excellent book right now, Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. This story is so enveloping that it completely sweeps me away. I try to sneak in a chapter here and there, but I find that when I pick this book up, I am unable to put it down.

In addition to all of these things, I am also settling in at home, which historically has always been the death nail for being able to be home full time for me. I have found that clearing closets, gardening and learning how to quilt have been great cures for writer’s block. I am enjoying this time to be home with my family, and being able to be truly “plugged-in” to family life. When I think back to this time last year, working full time, finishing grad school and still writing, I wonder how I managed, but somehow I did. This thought spurs me on to continue writing, and pushing myself. If I could do it then when life was busier, I can surely do it now, and do it better.

A Spot for Inspiration

March 11, 2020 by jackiecthomas Leave a Comment

A roadside seafood restaurant in Malibu.

I was walking on the shore just two short weeks ago along the Malibu coast in California, at my happiest to be in such a gorgeous place. As I walked, the surf tickling my toes, and the waves crashed on the rocks, I glanced over at the large beach homes that hugged the coast. I was struck with a spark, an idea…inspiration. An idea came to me for a book, a really good idea. I’ve been thinking about the idea ever since, but the idea of inspiration and place has also been on my mind.

Meanwhile, I have made what feels, like a massive career transition within those past two weeks as well. I left my former job and took a job in Chicago. I don’t live in the city, I reside within the commuter-belt, albeit a very far edge. So last week, I grabbed my high heels and stepped into my new life, doing a job that I have worked an entire career to get to. I won’t lie, it feels good, no great, to be here. I also know that although I have “made it” to this level, my work must be worthy for now and for forwarding advancement.

As exciting as this transition is, my new opportunity has put back downtown Chicago again. Chicago is my home city. When I travel the world and people ask me where I am from, I reply, “I’m from Chicago,” even though I don’t actually reside within the city. The first day as I stepped off of the commuter train, out of the station, and out onto the street, I thought about all of those who came before me and all of those who will come after me. Then I thought about my characters, doing the same thing I am doing, going about their daily lives in this amazing city.

So much of my work is set in Chicago, because it is the city that I love, and it is the city that I know. As I was walking to catch the train home yesterday, I walked in the exact footsteps where Ben and Rachel from McKinley Park had their first date. I imagined them walking under the EL on the hot summer night. I couldn’t help but smile, genuinely smile. I am sure the others on the street if they even noticed wondered why this crazy woman wore a big smile but I didn’t care. As I walked further, my newest book has a scene set in the State Street Macy’s, I thought of the two characters as I walked past. Chicago is a rich setting, and I think it is why I use it so much in my work.

I am a firm believer that place directly impacts not just where a story is set but the writer too. I remarked to my husband while we were in LA a few weeks ago, that one would almost have to reside in LA for an extended period of time to accurately write the area. Sure writing a trope of LA is easy, but if you really wanted to richly set a work there… In my opinion, you’d have to go there and stay for some time. For reference, when I mean LA, I am talking about the greater LA area. It is so vastly different from the coast, to Anaheim, to Santa Anna and into the mountains, you’d have to be there to accurately describe the setting.

This past fall I took a trip for a long girls weekend down to New Orleans. At the time I was reading the book Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown, which is set there. I picked up the book before I travelled thinking it would be interesting to read a book about a place I had never been and was soon to travel to. The experience of reading a book set in downtown New Orleans, while walking the streets the characters had, was a decadent experience. There was so much more to see, hear, smell, taste that added a rich velvety layer of complexity to Brown’s story. Granted I can’t travel to every book setting but the experience stuck with me.

When I first started writing romance, then reading it – yeah I know I got that backwards, but it’s the way it happened, I read a series by Christine Feehan. The setting for some of the stories were set in the bayous and swamps in Lousiana, as a home base for the characters. I read an interview with her about her research for the books, and she talked about spending time there for the purposes of book research. She discussed how the beauty of place resonated with her. When I read her books set in the bayou, they felt detailed in a way that you know she had been there. She describes place so well, and I would argue that the place in itself was an inspiration and a character in the series.

The more I write the more I learn. It used to annoy me to no end when writers would drone on about “the process.” I naively thought to myself, just sit down and write. How time has a way of teaching each of us. Place is important, whether reading or writing, it matters. I get it now. I am grateful to walk in the setting of my own work every day now.

My Favorite Things to Eat When You’ve Can’t Stop Writing

June 28, 2019 by jackiecthomas 1 Comment

My favoirte days are the ones where I can sit down at my computer with a hot cup of coffee and know I have all day, or at least a good chunk of time to dive into my work. More often than not, I get so engrossed in my work I forget to eat! I look up from my computer several hours later, exhausted and hungry. So here are my top ten foods to eat while I am writing.

A Peanutbutter & Jelly Sandwich

Oh man, I am a sucker for a goodPB&J! The best thing about this snack or meal is that it isn’t too messy and the nut butter will keep me fueled to keep writing.

Hummus

Usually, food with dip is a no go when writing, my fingers are busy typing. The exception to the rule for me is hummus. It is filling! It is also a bonus that it is healthy. I like it with whole wheat pita or veggies.

Grapes & Berries

Any fruit that I can just pop into my mouth and it fills the craving for sweet is a win in my book!

Soup or Stew:

If I know I have a weekend of writing ahead or I am on a deadline, this is my go to. I will make a big pot of soup, stew or a casserole that easily reheated. Three minutes in the microwave, and I have hot food.

Cold Pizza

Leftover cold pizza is my weakness! The best part, aside from taste, is that is easy to eat! Hot pizza is messy, cold pizza isn’t.

Frozen Food

I love to keep some convenience meals in the freezer. Pre-made meals from the store are a lifesaver when I am really stuck into a project.

Cheese & Cracker Plate

Nutritionally this is a good option when you put some dried fruit on the plate, and maybe nuts too. I eat this even when I am not writing.

Anything Brought to My Desk

Living with a fellow writer has its perks, this is one of them. Recently my husband wrote his dream book, a non-fiction look at British culture. A good spouse to a writer feeds them when the writer is really on a roll! The deal is though, you eat what you are given or you stop and go make something yourself.

Music Sets the Mood.. For Writing (My Favorite Albums to Write to)

May 2, 2019 by jackiecthomas 1 Comment

I grew up in a house where music was constant background noise. My father was/is a recording engineer. We had a large stereo set up in our living room with massive studio speakers, that were large enough to sit on, although we never dared actually sit on them. My house was also a creative one, where the arts were celebrated and encouraged. It was only a natural progression that when I was creating that I would listen to music. I used to paint quite a bit and I learned that the music I listened to either fostered creativity or crushed it.

A few years back, I bought a Pandora subscription, it has been the best money I have ever spent! I listen to it constantly and over the years I have come to love it for having any music I want at hand anytime. Over the years, and novels written, I have grown to love a few albums when I write. I have a few that I have listened to so much when writing one novel or another, I think to myself “oh that’s so and so’s love song.” A lot of couples have a particular song that is “their song,” my characters do too. I have learned that I have to have music on in the background for my creativity to flow. So here are my favorite albums/ playlists that I write to.

Michael Kiwkiwanuka’s -Love and Hate Album: This album is like creative fuel for me. I love to write romance to this album. Even now, when I hear it on the radio I think of the first love story I wrote to it.

David Ian’s- Valentines Day Album: I love the jazzy feel of this album, it has helped set the tone for a lot of my writing, especially scenes set in New York.

Etta James’- Love Songs Album: Intimate scenes can be tricky to write. for me, I have to be in the right state of mind to write them. This album is great to write to, especially those more intense scenes.

Elliot Moss- Boomerang Album: This album is very chill to write to. I am normally not a huge fan of this type of music but this is a stellar album to write to.

Odesza’s A Moment Apart Album: My husband introduced me to this album last fall as we drove from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the United Kingdom. It turns out this not just an album to drive to, it is a great one to write to as well. Again, this is not my normal, preferred type of music but it gets the creativity flowing.

Seth MacFarlane’s- No One Ever Tells You: Full disclosure, I am a huge Seth MacFarlane fan, and I love most of his music, but it isn’t all great to write to. This album is “moody” and I find it great to write to, even though most of the songs are about breakups, ironic I know.

Classical Music Playlist on Pandora: I have built a classical music playlist over the years on Pandora, that has been crafted to my tastes. The Lake Michigan Affair, a book that I am currently seeking representation to was written to this playlist. I chose The Blue Notebooks Album by Max Richter for the image for this entry because every time I hear the song On the Nature of Daylight, I think about Sebastian and Rosalie, the two main characters, itis their theme.

So there you have it, these are just a few of my favorite pieces and albums to write to. What are your favorite pieces of music to write to? Let me know in the comments below.

Hello From Sunny LA!

I Finally Made it to Half Moon Bay!

Being a Full-Time-ish Writer One Month On

A Spot for Inspiration