Rico Lamoureux's Blog: Cafe Lamoureux - Posts Tagged "rico-lamoureux"
Day 17 - Why I Write Novellas
Hello my wonderful readers!
Today is the first day of my new goodreads blog, and 17th. day since the daily blog's conception over on YouTube.
Today I thought I'd write a little on why I write novellas and not novels. A lot of it has to do with my time in film school, where I studied the craft of screenwriting. Unlike traditional forms of writing, this medium requires the writer to be very concise, as one page generally translates to one minute of screen time. And since most people aren't into six hour films, (although some might argue that this is changing due to 'binge-watching', where viewers watch an entire season of a television series within a short period of time via netflix or what have you. I actually like this idea, and will probably become a 'binge-watcher' myself when opportunity allows. Like a book, you're in control of how much you take in at any given time!) screenwriting can sometimes feel rigid.
Forward a few years later and I had awoken from the naive believe that I could actually get into Hollywood based on talent and not on who I knew (or didn't know) and with new direction decided to focus my passion for storytelling back to the conventional narrative form.
What I hadn't expected was for my writing style to change, but that's precisely what I discovered when I sat down to write my first book. I found that it felt more natural to me to tell short stories rather than try to stretch them out when there really was no need to do so. I didn't need to write an entire novel to tell a complete dramatic story. I could evoke emotion, take the reader on an awe-inspiring journey and serve story/character all within the general 25-50k words of a novella.
And thus I had found my niche!
Does this mean I will never write a full-length novel? Not at all. Story and character tell me the appropriate length to serve it properly. Sometimes 20k words, sometimes 30k. In the case of my first print book, The Maiden of Monaco, one can actually consider it a novelette, as it is less than 16k words, yet is one of the most powerful stories I've written to date!
Perhaps someday I'll start a story and soon realize that its characters, its plot, is telling me that it's going to need a greater amount of ink than I usually pour forth. But until then, I'm happy writing novellas:)
Speaking of The Maiden of Monaco, the first two chapters are up on my facebook page, as a way to say thank you to those who LIKE my page:)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
I'd better wrap up before I turn this blog entry into the length of a novella!
See you tomorrow:)
Today is the first day of my new goodreads blog, and 17th. day since the daily blog's conception over on YouTube.
Today I thought I'd write a little on why I write novellas and not novels. A lot of it has to do with my time in film school, where I studied the craft of screenwriting. Unlike traditional forms of writing, this medium requires the writer to be very concise, as one page generally translates to one minute of screen time. And since most people aren't into six hour films, (although some might argue that this is changing due to 'binge-watching', where viewers watch an entire season of a television series within a short period of time via netflix or what have you. I actually like this idea, and will probably become a 'binge-watcher' myself when opportunity allows. Like a book, you're in control of how much you take in at any given time!) screenwriting can sometimes feel rigid.
Forward a few years later and I had awoken from the naive believe that I could actually get into Hollywood based on talent and not on who I knew (or didn't know) and with new direction decided to focus my passion for storytelling back to the conventional narrative form.
What I hadn't expected was for my writing style to change, but that's precisely what I discovered when I sat down to write my first book. I found that it felt more natural to me to tell short stories rather than try to stretch them out when there really was no need to do so. I didn't need to write an entire novel to tell a complete dramatic story. I could evoke emotion, take the reader on an awe-inspiring journey and serve story/character all within the general 25-50k words of a novella.
And thus I had found my niche!
Does this mean I will never write a full-length novel? Not at all. Story and character tell me the appropriate length to serve it properly. Sometimes 20k words, sometimes 30k. In the case of my first print book, The Maiden of Monaco, one can actually consider it a novelette, as it is less than 16k words, yet is one of the most powerful stories I've written to date!
Perhaps someday I'll start a story and soon realize that its characters, its plot, is telling me that it's going to need a greater amount of ink than I usually pour forth. But until then, I'm happy writing novellas:)
Speaking of The Maiden of Monaco, the first two chapters are up on my facebook page, as a way to say thank you to those who LIKE my page:)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
I'd better wrap up before I turn this blog entry into the length of a novella!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 18 - What Up With That?
Welcome my wonderful readers!
You know, I can't really hear the term 'What's up with that?' anymore without thinking of the funny SNL skit, the chorus of which won't soon leave your head! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm9h08...)
Every now and then I'll have a 'What up with that?' moment, the last one being while I browsed the blogs here on goodreads.
Many of the most popular are from A-list authors who are well-known thanks to their powerhouse publishers. And there seems to be a commonality among them. Many haven't blogged in months, and for those who have, it's obvious that someone from their camp is actually doing the blogging. With the entries being nothing more than self-promo.
(Everybody now... Ooo-wee, What Up With That?)
Don't get me wrong. Besides writing, one of the primary jobs of an author is to self-promote. But does it have to be so conspicuous all of the time? I look at it from a reader's point-of-view. If I visit my favorite author's blog I want to see more than just promo...promo... promo. I want to discover things about the writer that I wouldn't find elsewhere. A little something special for my loyalty.
This is why my blog includes an array of topics. I want to provoke thought, not boredom. Let my readers get to know me a little better, not bombard them with promo every chance I get. Again, as an author it's part of my job to self-promote, but I believe connecting with my readers on a more personal level can be just as effective, or even more so.
So yeah, I've never been much of a follower, and therefore will not use my blog as simply another tool to self-promote. Call me naive, but I believe readers will appreciate such, and show me through their support:)
See you tomorrow!
You know, I can't really hear the term 'What's up with that?' anymore without thinking of the funny SNL skit, the chorus of which won't soon leave your head! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm9h08...)
Every now and then I'll have a 'What up with that?' moment, the last one being while I browsed the blogs here on goodreads.
Many of the most popular are from A-list authors who are well-known thanks to their powerhouse publishers. And there seems to be a commonality among them. Many haven't blogged in months, and for those who have, it's obvious that someone from their camp is actually doing the blogging. With the entries being nothing more than self-promo.
(Everybody now... Ooo-wee, What Up With That?)
Don't get me wrong. Besides writing, one of the primary jobs of an author is to self-promote. But does it have to be so conspicuous all of the time? I look at it from a reader's point-of-view. If I visit my favorite author's blog I want to see more than just promo...promo... promo. I want to discover things about the writer that I wouldn't find elsewhere. A little something special for my loyalty.
This is why my blog includes an array of topics. I want to provoke thought, not boredom. Let my readers get to know me a little better, not bombard them with promo every chance I get. Again, as an author it's part of my job to self-promote, but I believe connecting with my readers on a more personal level can be just as effective, or even more so.
So yeah, I've never been much of a follower, and therefore will not use my blog as simply another tool to self-promote. Call me naive, but I believe readers will appreciate such, and show me through their support:)
See you tomorrow!
Day 19 - Passion
“Despite the obstacle, when a strong passion within yearns for life, begs to thrive, we must find a way to release it. To set free that which creates, that which inspires, for passion is the driving force behind all that is great. ”
— Rico Lamoureux
Welcome my wonderful readers!
I came upon this inspiring story today about an artist who lets nothing get in the way of her artistic passion. Not even a severe case of Polio, which has left her nearly unable to move!
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/02/wor...
I can relate, on some level, to her determination, given the fact that I am totally blind in one eye and near legally blind in the other due to Acute Retinal Necrosis.
I'm an author who still uses traditional tools of the trade, meaning I write longhand and then type it up on a computer. So yeah, my visual impairment has made it quite difficult to read and write since I often have to do so with the aide of a magnifying glass, but when one is faced with obstacles that are beyond their control they must learn to live the motto 'Where there's a will, there's a way'.
I've written about the diverse journey of my life so far in Power of the Pen, my autobiography that is currently available for pre-order at igg.me/at/Rico
(Yeah, shameless plug-LOL!)
See you tomorrow:)
— Rico Lamoureux
Welcome my wonderful readers!
I came upon this inspiring story today about an artist who lets nothing get in the way of her artistic passion. Not even a severe case of Polio, which has left her nearly unable to move!
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/02/wor...
I can relate, on some level, to her determination, given the fact that I am totally blind in one eye and near legally blind in the other due to Acute Retinal Necrosis.
I'm an author who still uses traditional tools of the trade, meaning I write longhand and then type it up on a computer. So yeah, my visual impairment has made it quite difficult to read and write since I often have to do so with the aide of a magnifying glass, but when one is faced with obstacles that are beyond their control they must learn to live the motto 'Where there's a will, there's a way'.
I've written about the diverse journey of my life so far in Power of the Pen, my autobiography that is currently available for pre-order at igg.me/at/Rico
(Yeah, shameless plug-LOL!)
See you tomorrow:)
'Tis The Season For Kindness
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Are you enjoying the Holiday Season so far? The merry songs, the cozy atmosphere, the kind smiles on the faces of strangers?
This is why many people name this time of year as their most favorite, and I have to admit, I'm one of them!
As a kid I remember thinking how would it be if we had this festive season year-round. Not only for the holly jolly, but also for the odd fact that people loose this holiday spirit come January. It's as if a switch has been flipped off. Like Christmas lights having served their purpose, now being stored away for another ten months.
Well, there's actually a few places that do have Christmas year-round...
http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-trave...
The question is, are they able to sustain that special kindness throughout all seasons?
Some, most, would say that if we celebrated Christmas year-round it would loose its magic. Possibly, but like anything else it's a matter of perspective.
One thing is for sure...
Year-round kindness would be amazing!
See you tomorrow:)
Are you enjoying the Holiday Season so far? The merry songs, the cozy atmosphere, the kind smiles on the faces of strangers?
This is why many people name this time of year as their most favorite, and I have to admit, I'm one of them!
As a kid I remember thinking how would it be if we had this festive season year-round. Not only for the holly jolly, but also for the odd fact that people loose this holiday spirit come January. It's as if a switch has been flipped off. Like Christmas lights having served their purpose, now being stored away for another ten months.
Well, there's actually a few places that do have Christmas year-round...
http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-trave...
The question is, are they able to sustain that special kindness throughout all seasons?
Some, most, would say that if we celebrated Christmas year-round it would loose its magic. Possibly, but like anything else it's a matter of perspective.
One thing is for sure...
Year-round kindness would be amazing!
See you tomorrow:)
Day - 22 The Maiden of Monaco
Welcome my wonderful readers!
You know, sometimes an author will sit down to tell a specific story, but along the way will discover that the tale is destined for much more.
This turned out to be the case with The Maiden of Monaco, my first venture away from ebook novellas and soon to be released as a print book.
At the beginning of this year I was still with a small publisher(before they went out of business and I decided to self-publish) and they were planning to put together an anthology of short stories based on The 12 Days of Christmas. My day was going to be day 10, 10 Lords a Leaping, and so I set out to write this holiday-themed tale.
As I researched, as I contemplated, I began to realize that what I had in mind far exceeded something that should just be a short Christmas story, and so I ended up withdrawing as a contributing author. Not only to give what had become the Maiden of Monaco the full attention it deserved, but also because the red flags of my publisher's unprofessional ways were starting to wave strong. The way I saw it, there was no way I was going to hand over Maiden to such incompetent hands!
So yeah, it really didn't come as a surprise when I found out soon thereafter that the publisher was going out of business. By the time I finished Maiden I knew it was destined to be my first print book. Not to take anything away from my ebooks. They're powerfully dramatic as well. But Maiden needed to be told on the printed page!
And now the time has come for my wonderful child to make its way from a computer file to the printing presses and into the hands of wonderful readers like you!
You can have an advanced read over on my fb page, and if you like it, it's available for preorder, with free shipping and a free bookmark!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
You know, sometimes an author will sit down to tell a specific story, but along the way will discover that the tale is destined for much more.
This turned out to be the case with The Maiden of Monaco, my first venture away from ebook novellas and soon to be released as a print book.
At the beginning of this year I was still with a small publisher(before they went out of business and I decided to self-publish) and they were planning to put together an anthology of short stories based on The 12 Days of Christmas. My day was going to be day 10, 10 Lords a Leaping, and so I set out to write this holiday-themed tale.
As I researched, as I contemplated, I began to realize that what I had in mind far exceeded something that should just be a short Christmas story, and so I ended up withdrawing as a contributing author. Not only to give what had become the Maiden of Monaco the full attention it deserved, but also because the red flags of my publisher's unprofessional ways were starting to wave strong. The way I saw it, there was no way I was going to hand over Maiden to such incompetent hands!
So yeah, it really didn't come as a surprise when I found out soon thereafter that the publisher was going out of business. By the time I finished Maiden I knew it was destined to be my first print book. Not to take anything away from my ebooks. They're powerfully dramatic as well. But Maiden needed to be told on the printed page!
And now the time has come for my wonderful child to make its way from a computer file to the printing presses and into the hands of wonderful readers like you!
You can have an advanced read over on my fb page, and if you like it, it's available for preorder, with free shipping and a free bookmark!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
Day 23- Divine Warriors
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Today I'd like to discuss a topic that seems superficial but in actuality has a lot of substance behind it.
What do you think of when you hear the word Ninja? If you're like most people, action movies come to mind. mysterious assassins running around in black killin' up a storm. But behind the surface of this well-known image is an amazing 2000-year-old art based on perseverance.
Some of you might be aware of the fact that my second ebook novella, Bleeding Perseverance, (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...)
centers around two young lovers whose lives are intertwined thanks to this ancient martial art. So far those who have read it have had great things to say about it, which I'm grateful for:)
But what many of you don't know is that the art is actually part of my personal past. For a couple of years in the 1990's I studied it on a full time basis, and it truly did change my life. I wrote about this chapter of my past(and others) in my autobiography, Power of the Pen, (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...)
and it still amazes me how second-nature it feels when I conjure up the 'ol Ninja inside me some 16 years after my training!
Ninjutsu is a beautiful art, and I'm happy to have been able to share some of it with others through my writing.
See you tomorrow:)
Today I'd like to discuss a topic that seems superficial but in actuality has a lot of substance behind it.
What do you think of when you hear the word Ninja? If you're like most people, action movies come to mind. mysterious assassins running around in black killin' up a storm. But behind the surface of this well-known image is an amazing 2000-year-old art based on perseverance.
Some of you might be aware of the fact that my second ebook novella, Bleeding Perseverance, (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...)
centers around two young lovers whose lives are intertwined thanks to this ancient martial art. So far those who have read it have had great things to say about it, which I'm grateful for:)
But what many of you don't know is that the art is actually part of my personal past. For a couple of years in the 1990's I studied it on a full time basis, and it truly did change my life. I wrote about this chapter of my past(and others) in my autobiography, Power of the Pen, (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...)
and it still amazes me how second-nature it feels when I conjure up the 'ol Ninja inside me some 16 years after my training!
Ninjutsu is a beautiful art, and I'm happy to have been able to share some of it with others through my writing.
See you tomorrow:)
Day 24 - The Gift of Innocence
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Anyone who has taken the time to read my literary works(the covers and descriptions of which can be found on my profile page and sneak peek album on my fb page) has discovered my passion for writing about the gift of innocence. In particular, female innocence.
It's not that I'm so obsessed with this theme that I can't write about anything else. In fact, in 6 Degrees
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) only two of the five short stories involve such. And actually, one is about a male's loss of virginity.
But yeah, why do I find this topic so fascinating? The answer really lies in my soon-to-be released autobiography
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) where I write about losing my own innocence as well. But for this blog entry I'll be brief.
I really can't think of anything more precious, more priceless. It's a gift that once given can never be taken back. A treasure that is not only physical, but so emotional/spiritual as well. And when I say spiritual, I don't mean religious. It has to do with one's being, no matter what belief they have been conditioned with. The surrendering of this precious gift is universal. Beyond race, religion, culture.
This is why I tend to revisit such a powerful theme as often as I do. There is simply nothing greater than the gift of innocence!
See you tomorrow:)
Anyone who has taken the time to read my literary works(the covers and descriptions of which can be found on my profile page and sneak peek album on my fb page) has discovered my passion for writing about the gift of innocence. In particular, female innocence.
It's not that I'm so obsessed with this theme that I can't write about anything else. In fact, in 6 Degrees
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) only two of the five short stories involve such. And actually, one is about a male's loss of virginity.
But yeah, why do I find this topic so fascinating? The answer really lies in my soon-to-be released autobiography
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) where I write about losing my own innocence as well. But for this blog entry I'll be brief.
I really can't think of anything more precious, more priceless. It's a gift that once given can never be taken back. A treasure that is not only physical, but so emotional/spiritual as well. And when I say spiritual, I don't mean religious. It has to do with one's being, no matter what belief they have been conditioned with. The surrendering of this precious gift is universal. Beyond race, religion, culture.
This is why I tend to revisit such a powerful theme as often as I do. There is simply nothing greater than the gift of innocence!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 25 - A Traditional Author In Virtual Times
Welcome my wonderful readers!
While enjoying a book have you ever thought of how and where it was written? Is the author the kind of writer who needs peace and quiet to create tales of intrigue, or did they write in some cafe somewhere, the goings-on of which helped propel the wheels of creativity?
Personally speaking, I prefer isolation, a good pen, and lots of paper when I write. I've tried spinning plots and characters with a keyboard, but it just doesn't flow the same as when I put ink to paper. And although it's nice to visit some far off place for inspiration, when it comes time to actually write I prefer to work off memory, as opposed to narrating when I'm smack dab in the middle of it.
I do envy the authors of yesterday, who had to hit the pavement in order to acquire book deals and promote. I'm a doer, who, in the past, was able to get things done because I was willing to put in the extra effort. Nowadays, anyone with a PC is my competition, which I'm reminded of everyday as I go online to peddle my literary talent. The Virtual World... Where everyone's an instant author. Where my near thirty years of writing experience is overthrown by some kid with thousands of 'followers'.
Cyberspace... Where when I try to play the game of promo(which every real author must do if they are to have a chance of survival) I could ignorantly be labeled as a spammer by one quick click of a mouse!
And yet I suit up every single day for more, because if this is the war I have to fight in in order to reach a few wonderful readers who find value in my storytelling, then consider me a career warrior in this virtual chaos!
See you tomorrow:)
While enjoying a book have you ever thought of how and where it was written? Is the author the kind of writer who needs peace and quiet to create tales of intrigue, or did they write in some cafe somewhere, the goings-on of which helped propel the wheels of creativity?
Personally speaking, I prefer isolation, a good pen, and lots of paper when I write. I've tried spinning plots and characters with a keyboard, but it just doesn't flow the same as when I put ink to paper. And although it's nice to visit some far off place for inspiration, when it comes time to actually write I prefer to work off memory, as opposed to narrating when I'm smack dab in the middle of it.
I do envy the authors of yesterday, who had to hit the pavement in order to acquire book deals and promote. I'm a doer, who, in the past, was able to get things done because I was willing to put in the extra effort. Nowadays, anyone with a PC is my competition, which I'm reminded of everyday as I go online to peddle my literary talent. The Virtual World... Where everyone's an instant author. Where my near thirty years of writing experience is overthrown by some kid with thousands of 'followers'.
Cyberspace... Where when I try to play the game of promo(which every real author must do if they are to have a chance of survival) I could ignorantly be labeled as a spammer by one quick click of a mouse!
And yet I suit up every single day for more, because if this is the war I have to fight in in order to reach a few wonderful readers who find value in my storytelling, then consider me a career warrior in this virtual chaos!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 26 - Dream Home
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Today I wanted to share with you my dream home. A special place of peace and tranquility, tucked away under the outstretched limbs of majestic trees. Shielded from the chaos of the outside world, this enchanted castle of coziness would be the ideal setting to set my imagination free. To live out the rest of my years amongst the serenity that helps inspire a library of captivating stories.
Gone are the days of obnoxious neighbors, barking dogs, and pollutant fire-breathing engines from hell!
Run Giacomo, across the soft blanket of grass which surrounds our piece of heavenly earth, and when you're content and ready to doggy-snooze the Sunday away, mommy and I will then lie atop the beautiful greenery and once again bless this intimate little kingdom of ours with some passionate lovemaking.
The home that is a forever-giving muse!
Care to stop on by and say hello?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
Today I wanted to share with you my dream home. A special place of peace and tranquility, tucked away under the outstretched limbs of majestic trees. Shielded from the chaos of the outside world, this enchanted castle of coziness would be the ideal setting to set my imagination free. To live out the rest of my years amongst the serenity that helps inspire a library of captivating stories.
Gone are the days of obnoxious neighbors, barking dogs, and pollutant fire-breathing engines from hell!
Run Giacomo, across the soft blanket of grass which surrounds our piece of heavenly earth, and when you're content and ready to doggy-snooze the Sunday away, mommy and I will then lie atop the beautiful greenery and once again bless this intimate little kingdom of ours with some passionate lovemaking.
The home that is a forever-giving muse!
Care to stop on by and say hello?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
Day 27 - Freedom
"Money won't make success. The freedom to make it will." Nelson Mandela
Welcome my wonderful readers!
This is an interesting quote from the late Nelson Mandela, and although I full-heartedly agree with it, it made me think of the TRUE freedom we have to make money, or the lack thereof.
We've all heard of how difficult it is to break into any industry that entertains. Hollywood, big publishing, A-list music. All tight-knit and great at keeping people out. I can understand needing a system to keep those with no specific talent out of a certain field, but there are two main problems of how this is done nowadays.
First problem is pretty obvious. For every one person with actual talent there are thousands who lack it, yet they are fighting side-by-side to get the attention of those who wield the power to change lives. Because of such, great talents are overlooked.
Secondly, many of these big-wigs don't actually have the talent to spot talent. You hear about it happening all the time in Hollywood. How such and such passed on what later became an Academy-Award winning film, etc.
So yeah, human freedom is above all the utmost of importance. But are we really equal in opportunity when it comes to having the freedom of how we choose to make a living? Based on the current system, I think not. After all, I was part of this rat race until recently, when I finally decided to self-publish.
There's one more thing I wanted to mention about Mandela. There's a great song that I always felt goes well with what he stood for. Here, have a listen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZEuSD...
See you tomorrow:)
Welcome my wonderful readers!
This is an interesting quote from the late Nelson Mandela, and although I full-heartedly agree with it, it made me think of the TRUE freedom we have to make money, or the lack thereof.
We've all heard of how difficult it is to break into any industry that entertains. Hollywood, big publishing, A-list music. All tight-knit and great at keeping people out. I can understand needing a system to keep those with no specific talent out of a certain field, but there are two main problems of how this is done nowadays.
First problem is pretty obvious. For every one person with actual talent there are thousands who lack it, yet they are fighting side-by-side to get the attention of those who wield the power to change lives. Because of such, great talents are overlooked.
Secondly, many of these big-wigs don't actually have the talent to spot talent. You hear about it happening all the time in Hollywood. How such and such passed on what later became an Academy-Award winning film, etc.
So yeah, human freedom is above all the utmost of importance. But are we really equal in opportunity when it comes to having the freedom of how we choose to make a living? Based on the current system, I think not. After all, I was part of this rat race until recently, when I finally decided to self-publish.
There's one more thing I wanted to mention about Mandela. There's a great song that I always felt goes well with what he stood for. Here, have a listen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZEuSD...
See you tomorrow:)
Cafe Lamoureux
Cafe Lamoureux started off as a daily video blog on youtube and has now taken the form of a daily blog here on goodreads. In addition to discussing his literary works, Rico Lamoureux will be posting d
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