Behind the scenes: Inspiring Gnash's story

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-06-02

So I'm behind a bit on my writing, which means weekend work. Which is okay since, you know, I enjoy writing and even editing's growing on me (though I do have to be careful about burnout since I have a tendency to ignore my adult tasks—you know, like laundry and groceries and unpacking from my big move over six months ago—in favor of writing and then getting stressed out when nothing else is done). But I digress...back to the topic at hand.

To get my mind ready for today's writing and editing, I started listening to Gnash's playlist while I walked the dogs. When I sat down to do the most intense round of editing on the first 1500 words or so of Gnash's story, I went to pull up some pictures of the setting that I took during the long drive from Los Angeles to Michigan. That made me think I should share all this with you as special behind the scenes look at what it takes for me to be ready to write and edit to the best of my ability. So, here you go: Gnash's playlist as it stands right now plus pictures of human-Gnash (Sam) and the setting for the first scene (and a Pinterest board to boot).

The Music:

When I'm getting ready to write or edit Gnash's story (title TBD, subtitle: The Clan-Vampire Clash: A Prequel), I listen to the same five songs in a particular order. In order, they are:

1. Sam's (human-Gnash's) theme song: "Brighter" by Paramore. Also how Ink (Sam's vampire love interest) and Bobby (Sam's vampire hunter love interest) feel about her.
2. Bobby's theme song and how he feels in Sam's presence: "Mister Cellophane" from the musical Chicago
3. How Sam feel about Logan (Sam's human ex-boyfriend): "Cold As You" by Taylor Swift
4. Inspiration for the first few chapters: "Green Light" by Lorde
5. Inspiration for the next few chapters (what I'm setting up right now): "Sober" by Lorde

You can listen to this playlist on YouTube, Spotify, or iTunes. As I write more, I'll be adding to these playlists.

The Pictures:

First, check out Gnash's story Pinterest board, where I'll be adding more pictures as needed for writing and editing. And now for the pictures:

Picture of what human-Gnash (Sam) looks like.

Another picture of what human-Gnash (Sam) looks like.

Setting for the first scene in Gnash's (Sam's) story (title TBD). Imagine it after sunset though. Can't have those vampires wandering about a desert during the day after all.

More of the setting for the first scene in Gnash's (Sam's) story (title TBD). Imagine it after sunset though. Can't have those vampires wandering about a desert during the day after all.

Want to read it as I write and edit it? Gnash's story will be released in separate installments to members of my readers group (The Troupe)! Don't miss out—join the Troupe today!