Do you have that person? You know the friend you trust implicitly; the one you share bits of your writing with. I have that person: MJ Trantham. She has appeared in these pages several times over the years. You can find her contributions in these pages: https://tinyurl.com/9j5m2kar
MJ is my crystal expert – as a practitioner, she should write her own book about the magic of crystals. She suggested I give my character Rachel Blackstone (the Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries) stones for protection in her excursions into the supernatural. Wow! It was so successful; I’ve introduced them in the Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery series too.
Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
Crystals added a new dimension to my storytelling.
For years, MJ lived in the Centennial State. Regularly, I would receive stories from her about the Ute tribes in Colorado. They were so fascinating; I thought I should include more in my books about the Natives in New Mexico. They are after all intricately involved in the history of the state. What followed was more about the Hopi, Navajo and Pueblo Indians of the Land of Enchantment.
I asked her if she would read a sample chapter here and there. I’m careful not to send her portions that reveal villains and key elements of the book so she can enjoy it in its entirety later.
She was game, but expressed hesitation. She didn’t think she was an expert on writing despite the fact she is an excellent writer. What she is with certainty, however, is a good reader and she has an instinct for storytelling. Her feedback has become invaluable to me.
Photo by Yuri Efremov on Unsplash
Who do you trust enough to share your WIP?
MJ became that person to whom I give a sample here and there of my work in progress. In no time, MJ became my muse. Thank you MJ.
How many last times have you experienced? What year did you last believe in Santa Claus? How old were you the last time you played with dolls? When was the last time you said “See you later” to a friend and you never saw her again? This happened to me. . .
Enjoy Gilda’s other posts on Girl Talk which range from relationships to writing. There is something wise and wonderful for everyone. Gilda likes to say, “I have a PhD in relationships from the school of life!” She’s also a 3-time Emmy award winner and a motivational speaker.Gilda writes the Girl Talk Book Series.
The content, photos and text on this site are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or duplication of content from this website is strictly prohibited under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Short excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G G Collins and Reluctant Medium at Large with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Photos cannot be used without permission and without paying photographer’s fee. Thank you for respecting this policy. Please see Copyright/Content/Privacy Policy Page for directions.
Attorney Finds Her New Job a Prickly Fit By GG Collins Copyright 2023 Helen Tudor-Fisk joins a Melbourne suburban law firm specializing in wills and probate. She’s just moved after parting ways with her eccentric husband and Sydney law career. She lands, non too softly, at Gruber and Gruber. Australian comedian Kitty Flanagan (along with […]
Stop Filming Scenes Twice for Americans. Please. by GG Collins Copyright 2023 Attn: ITV, BBC, BritBox, Acorn, Masterpiece, Seven Network, South Pacific Pictures, Greenstone TV, Canal+, CBC, etc. Show Stopper Refilming a scene for Americans by using the 12-hour clock or adding imperial measurements is a real action stopper. I enjoy TV and movies from countries […]
Inhumanity by G G Collins (Copyright 2022) On 9/11 I had an early interview. When I left, the streets were strangely quiet. Upon entering my office, the phone was ringing. It was my husband telling me to turn on the TV. Something was happening. It didn’t take long to find out. My editor asked for […]
G G Collins
GG Collins Mysteries 
Your Writing Muse
Jul 16
Posted by G G Collins
With a Little Help From Our Friends
Do you have that person? You know the friend you trust implicitly; the one you share bits of your writing with. I have that person: MJ Trantham. She has appeared in these pages several times over the years. You can find her contributions in these pages: https://tinyurl.com/9j5m2kar
MJ is my crystal expert – as a practitioner, she should write her own book about the magic of crystals. She suggested I give my character Rachel Blackstone (the Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries) stones for protection in her excursions into the supernatural. Wow! It was so successful; I’ve introduced them in the Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery series too.
Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
Crystals added a new dimension to my storytelling.
For years, MJ lived in the Centennial State. Regularly, I would receive stories from her about the Ute tribes in Colorado. They were so fascinating; I thought I should include more in my books about the Natives in New Mexico. They are after all intricately involved in the history of the state. What followed was more about the Hopi, Navajo and Pueblo Indians of the Land of Enchantment.
I asked her if she would read a sample chapter here and there. I’m careful not to send her portions that reveal villains and key elements of the book so she can enjoy it in its entirety later.
She was game, but expressed hesitation. She didn’t think she was an expert on writing despite the fact she is an excellent writer. What she is with certainty, however, is a good reader and she has an instinct for storytelling. Her feedback has become invaluable to me.
Photo by Yuri Efremov on Unsplash
Who do you trust enough to share your WIP?
MJ became that person to whom I give a sample here and there of my work in progress. In no time, MJ became my muse. Thank you MJ.
Share this:
Posted in About, commentary, Crystals, Editorial, Friendship, Native American, Paranormal, Relationships, Uncategorized, Writing
Comments Off on Your Writing Muse
Tags: crystals, friends, GG Collins, MJTrantham, Muse, Native Americans, New Mexico, sharing, writing