Guest Post & Giveaway: You at the Zoo . . . Finding Motivation by Chloe Neill, author of Twice Bitten

Today's guest is Chloe Neill, author of the Chicagoland Vampires series (which just happens to be one of my favorite urban fantasy series)! To promote the July 6th release of the third book in the series, Twice Bitten, she's here to talk about one of the ways that she's found writing inspiration. Take it away, Chloe...

You at the Zoo . . . Finding Motivation

I'm currently outlining the fourth book in my Chicagoland Vampires series, and I spent a lovely few hours at my local zoo today. While I was there, I gave some thought to how writers might find inspiration at a zoo.

Humans--the Other Zoo Animals

A zoo might be one of the best places to people watch. There're often full of families, couples, photographers, walkers and animal enthusiasts, which makes zoos a great place to watch human behavior, listen for interesting quotes or phrases, or watch or interesting movements, tics or gestures that can make a character seem that more *real.*

Find a bench and take a seat, and let your gaze move across the crowds. Who's walking down the path in front of you? Are they alone? With someone? What are they wearing? How would you describe their physical appearance? Their body type? Do they have any unique gestures--snapping fingers as they walk, a quirky smile, the scratch of an ear?

All of these characteristics can help you build a mental writing "encyclopedia"--a store of interesting habits and qualities that you can draw upon for future scene drafting.

Behind the Glass

Animals are, of course, the principal zoo attraction. Given the popularity of paranormal novels today, a zoo can be a fabulous source to research that werewolf, vampire or other monster.

Interested in shapeshifters? Check out the wolves, the bears, the big cats. How do they move? How do they sleep? Is their fur thick and shaggy? Sleek and shiny? Do they interact with other animals, or are they loners? Do they have human expressions and characteristics, or is it clear that there's something "wild" in their eyes? What can bats teach you about vampires? Writing about angels? What can a visit to the aviary teach you about the structure of wings?

You can watch for physical characteristics--maybe make notes or a sketch for later reference--or behavioral ones. And trust me--it's much easier to write that shapeshifter fight scene when you've seen how the animals move. :)

The Shrubbery

There's another great characteristic of zoos--the greenery. Zoos may incorporate a variety of trees, flowers, grasses and shrubs to create a natural feel. These areas can give you location ideas for future scenes, or help you imagine the texture and colors of that park or forest scene. Take some time just to walk around and smell the roses--and let your imagination go.

Thanks so much for reading today, and good luck!

Thanks for stopping by, Chloe!


Everyone - be sure to check out Chloe's other stops on the Twice Bitten Blog Tour. And while you're at her site, read the excerpt from Twice Bitten!

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Giveaway (for US and Canadian residents only): Leave Chloe a comment and include your email to be entered to win a Twice Bitten gift pack, including: a Twice Bitten bookmark, Twice Bitten silicone wristband, a Chicagoland Vampires pen, a Firespell bookmark and other random goodies. Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST, June 21st.