Happy holidays!

Holy cow, I'm a bad blogger, but I've gotten a lot of writing done. I'm about 1/2 through my first draft of a new project and am in love with it. So we will see on that.

One thing I try to keep in mind this time of year is to live life a little. It gets hard when I get caught up in my manuscripts. All the other worlds that I create and characters that I breathe life into, it takes a lot of my energy and attention, but I have to stop sometimes and live reality. I know I've posted about this before, but it is something you have to do or you'll miss little things that matter.

There are times during this season that I get frustrated because I don't get my word count in or I can't think a continuous thought. It can make one grit their teeth and cringe, but these magical moments will be gone one day. Yes, my patience is being tried on all levels in real life and in writing life, it happens, I'm human. But I'm soaking it all in. I will finish this draft, I know I will. I'll revise and hopefully query it one day, but I also have to experience those moments so they can live in my memory too.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!!

See you next year!!

Eat some cookies! Nom nom nom!!

Tea time with Failure

The funny thing about failure--it's everywhere. It's also not something you want to hear or admit. But it's always there--waiting. A bad word to many. A blemish to a blank sheet. To those who strive for perfection, it's the boogey man under the bed ready to strike fear. Let's face it, it will happen to you. More than once. It comes in all shapes and sizes from a simple thing to something that will not only affect you but many, maybe thousands or millions.

So, I sat down with failure and poured a cup of tea. What is failure really trying to say? Is failure that bad? I guess it depends on how big it is, but I stepped back for a moment and really let failure tell me. It seems I've misunderstood it. Sure failure hurts that's how it gets your attention. And at the time that it strikes you may not know why until a later time. I'm talking possibly years. That's where the misunderstanding comes in. Failure gets blamed for a lot of things, but it's the victim that needs to pay attention and turn failure around. Send him packing. I will admit failure has entered my life on many occasions, more than I like to state, but it wasn't until recently when I really looked at it--with my own two eyes and not from others advice, although that doesn't hurt the situation--it softens it. Spins it. Allows perspective to set in.

What is failure really trying to say? Try harder? Do better? Learn more? That's part of it. It's also trying to say that nothing is perfect. There's always room for improvement and everything is flawed. Sure there's a normal but believe it or not that's left to interpretation. Failure is trying to tell me there is another way. It's not my time. Failure never said to stop or not try. It simply is guiding me another way.

That's where it gets foggy. I need to know a clear path. I don't like the unknown. That's why failure is scary. It's messes things up and cuts your yellow brick road in half, blacking it out, making it seems like it leads to nowhere. The only way to get back is to keep going, try something different, learn something new--grow stronger. That's what life is--isn't it? Growing and finding out who you are. Failure has to be there to make sure that happens.

My thoughts for today.

How is everyone doing?

Have a great day!

IWSG--Murky lake of writing

I totally missed last month. Sorry. I was away and totally forgot. There I said it. :) Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting and bringing writers together. Writing can be lonely and to have support can make you blossom. Don't forget to check out the other fine folks who participate.

Well, not much is going on here. I finally got through that murky stage where you think you'll never write again or have an idea (whether it's great or not is undetermined). It's scary. It seems I go through it every time I finish a manuscript. I finally say a novel is done and a small idea comes but the characters don't speak. I think it's the brain telling you to stop and take a break. The remedy is--you should. Revising a manuscript for months can have your brain in knots. It needs to unravel. Of course when you're in the moment, it feels like an eternity. The end. No more words will flow. Patience eats at you.

But there is a light. That little pin hole that's making it's way through the darkness. See it. It's there.You're a writer so no matter what that spark will return. And that's where I'm at. The spark returned. Yes, I had my typical fit of "I will never write again because I suck and no one will ever want this," but I took a couple of days to send the brain to the brain spa and finally things are starting to flow again.

I'm still scared though. My last novel is going through the query process and I can't help but feel like I'm repeating my first experience, but I must go through it and be persistent to get anywhere. Right?So in a nutshell, I'm back on track. For now. I can't say that I will be a regular blogger but I'm still here now and again.

How do you make it through the murky blank lake of writing?

Have a great day!!

New releases, books to check out and congrats!!

Hi everyone! I'm trying to get back into a regular groove of blogging so we will see what this week brings. I have a bunch of things to highlight today so let's get to it.

1. If you haven't already, go check out the lovely Christina Lee's ALL OF YOU. It's hot!!! I did read this, and whoa, hotness. I'm team Bennett all the way. Currently, it's an ebook but will be released in paperback July 1, 2014. You go, Christina!!

 

Title: ALL OF YOU

Author: Christina Lee

Publisher: Penguin/InterMix

Blurb: In this powerfully emotional debut New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.
 Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.
 When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.
 Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.
 
So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.

 

2. In other New Adult news, the amazing Stina Lindenblatt revealed the cover of her debut novel TELL ME WHEN. Sweetness!!

 

Title: TELL ME WHEN

Author: Stina Lindenblatt

Publisher: Carina Press / Harlequin

Release date: January 20, 2014

Blurb:

 

Amber Scott should be enjoying life as a college freshman. She should be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She should be working hard to make sense of her precalculus math class.
She shouldn’t be waking up her college roommate with screaming nightmares. She shouldn’t be flashing back, reliving the three weeks of hell she barely survived last year. And she definitely shouldn’t be spending time with sexy player Marcus Reid.
But engineering student Marcus is the only one keeping Amber from failing her math course, so she grudgingly lets him into her life. She never expects the king of hookups will share his painful past. Or that she’ll tell him her secrets in return, opening up and trusting him in a way she thought she’d never be able to again.
When their fragile future together is threatened by a stalker Amber thought was locked away for good, Marcus is determined to protect her—and Amber is determined to protect Marcus…even if that means pushing him away.

3. Another New Adult novel has been released by Kevin Sheridan. It has a very cool premise. And I had the pleasure to read it before the release. Definitely one to check out!! Congrats Kevin!!


Title: UNDER A BROKEN SUN
Author: Kevin P. Sheridan
Publisher: Dancing Dolphin Productions

Blurb:

When the world is thrown back into the dark ages, Adam Dawson must find his way across the country to reunite with his father, fighting through the religious zealots who believe the end has come.

4. In YA news, Ilene Wong has sold her debut novel, NONE OF THE ABOVE to Balzer + Bray. A huge congrats to her!! It will be released Fall of 2015. Go give a her your love!!

Big congrats to all these authors!! Mark your calendars for the releases and definitely check out the books that are out!!

That's all for today. No exciting news for me. Just writing and revising. Basically, I'm just moving along . . . slowly. I plan to be back for IWSG on Wednesday!!

Have a great day!!

A book to check out.

Wow. I've been gone a while. Sorry. Between real life, writing, brainstorming, revising and querying, some things have slipped through the cracks. My next posts will be about up and coming books that you may want to should check out. :)

Today, I have THE EIGHTH DAY by Dianne K. Salerni. I've known Dianne for years and she is not only an amazing author but an incredible person. I can't thank her enough for all the advice she has given me. The cover of her new book, well first book in her new series, was released recently and it's really cool. I am so excited for the release and for Dianne. THE EIGHTH DAY will be born to the world summer 2014. So mark it on your calendars people.

 

Title: THE EIGHTH DAY

Author: Dianne K. Salerni

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release date: Summer 2014

MG Fantasy

 

Blurb:

When newly orphaned Jax Aubrey awakes to a world without people the day after his thirteenth birthday, he thinks it’s the apocalypse. But then the next day is a regular old Thursday. Has Jax gone crazy? What’s going on?

Riley Pendare, Jax’s sort of clueless eighteen-year-old guardian, breaks the news: Jax just experienced the Eighth Day, an extra twenty-four-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday. Some people, like Jax and Riley, have the ability to live in all eight days. But others, like Evangeline, the teenage girl who’s been hiding in the house next door for years, exist only on this special day.

At first it’s awesome to have a secret day. But as Jax gets to know the very guarded Evangeline, he discovers that she is the sought-after key to an ancient spell rooted in Arthurian legend. And Riley—who forgets to pay bills and buy groceries!—is sworn to keep her safe from those who want to use her to eliminate the seven-day world and all who live there.

Jax tries to protect Evangeline, but with his new friend’s life on the line, as well as the threat of human destruction, he is faced with an impossible choice: trigger a real apocalypse or sacrifice Evangeline.

With a whole extra day to figure things out, it couldn’t be too hard . . . right?

 

 

 

 

 

Check out THE EIGHTH DAY summer of 2014. Can't wait!! You go, Dianne!!

 

Have a great day!!



The Challenge

It's almost Friday!! The weekend is about to begin. After a week of getting back on schedule, I'm ready to relax. I did get some writing time in and it felt good. I have two manuscripts the best that I can get them so they are ready for the next step. I did start to query one of them. Yes, only one. I'm  not insane. But I can't help feeling that this round of querying will only wind up like my last. I've entered a few contests and the results are what I expected . . . nothing. There are days I wonder if I'm invisible. I'm not flashy enough. Are my stories that boring?

Of course, I've only just begun this path with this novel so I decided I'm going to try a different approach with the rejection. I know, you're already saying, here we go again, but I'm not going to write a post about my problems. I know rejection happens to everyone and I'm sure some of you have worse stories to tell. No, I'm not going to crawl into that hole I have next to the swing set and rock back and forth. I'm going to challenge myself.

You see, lately, after I get over the frownie face part of the big R, I've worked even harder. It's that whole prove myself thing. I can't let my dream go, so I thought, why not take that to the next level. Besides eating an elephant size bag of chocolate (which I'm not sure I could physically do), I'll do something writing related to push me through.

Okay, I will take a couple of pieces of chocolate to soothe my soul. I can't ignore my chocolate addiction. The other part will be one of three things.

1. Double my word count for the day.
2. Write a short story.
3. Do exercises to brush up on writing skills.

The more I write, the stronger I'll become. Well, that's what they say.

I will also not check my email every five seconds. Let's face it, it's filled with advertisements and possibly more big R's. Not fun.

Do you challenge yourself when you face the big, bad rejection?

Have a great weekend!!

Insecure Writer's Support Group--Learning from my muse.

Holy cow! Two years?! Seriously? I still can't believe it! I have to say thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting and commenting and organizing and . . . you get the idea. Writers need all the support they can get. I know I do. It's nice to be heard and to listen as well as get some advice.
So thank you again, Alex.

With that being said, I want to talk about muses. I don't mean the band, Muse. Although, they are quite good. I'm talking about that thing that keeps you going and inspires. Ahhh. That's it, soak it in. Your mind is spinning isn't it? I've said in the past that my muse is music. I can't really play anything. I took chorus in high school and piano, but I'm no musical genius, but boy how I love it. Certain pieces create scenes in my head that make me stop and just write. Even develop whole stories.

On Friday, I got to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Depeche Mode. Yes, they're still around and still producing kick butt music. I sat back and listened and realized how long they've been around. I even went back to the beginning of their career and listened to each album in order. It's amazing how much they've changed. You can hear how much they progressed and refined their sound. The songwriting has always been awesome in my eyes, thanks to Martin Gore who is a songwriting genius, but even that has matured and deepened over the years. The thing is I forget to look at myself. Yes, I started this journey later in life, and you know what, it's okay. All I can do is grow and refine and strengthen. Even the most experienced still has wiggle room for improvement and that takes practice and determination. Things never come easy, but you must be prepared when they do. And even then, you must continue to show that you still got it. Depeche Mode still does after all these years. They continue to push themselves to create something powerful.


So thanks, Depeche Mode, for creating the music that has inspired so much of my life. Not only for the stories and visions of characters, but for showing me how to strengthen and grow and create something powerful.

Who inspires you?

Please go and check out the other fine folks who participate. You never know what you might learn or who you might inspire.

Have a great day!!

Blinders

School is starting soon! Well for my kids at least. And yes, I'm excited. My schedule will be back. I can breathe. I love my kids tons, but I need some writing time. The one thing that's hard is blocking that little thing called the internet. It's pesky, isn't it. It teases and looks so inviting, but you must look away and not be tempted. It can be a total distraction, which leads to no time to develop a story. So what do you do when you're stuck on an manuscript problem and you see an email pop up only to learn that it was an advertisement, but it made you think about another social site that you need to check to see if so and so got a book deal? Shut it off. You heard me. I see your eyes are bulging and you're hyperventilating. It's not the end of the world. Seriously.

It seems like we get all our info off of social media (including yours truly). It can be addicting and totally put you off your game. Not only is it sucking up time and keeping you away from creating, it can damage your self esteem. How? As happy as I can be for others when they triumph, it can hurt a little if you have nothing to say about numero uno. In your mind, you may think you're making no progress because there's nothing new with you. But understand everyone is at a different level. They all are traveling down different paths at their own pace, and so are you. Stop and take a look around you, at you. Have I learned this lesson over and over? Yes, but it's worth repeating because we get stuck into the everyday hum drum and it may feel like you're going no where, but everyone else is miles ahead. Bologna. Yes, I used a lunch meat or you could see it as an Italian city, which ever you choose. Moving on.

You have to shut it off and put your fingers to the keys. Even if you have to go to the box directly and switch it off. Give yourself a certain amount of time without it. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish. Then reward yourself--chocolate, ice cream, internet time . . . yes childish, but effective. I use the same tactic with my kids. They want video game time, they must read or do math problems to earn time for it. So I should do the same for myself.

Who's up for the challenge?

I will be in the querying trenches for a while. I'm not sure how long I can fight, but I have two novels that are ready. So, my blogging will be spotty. I'm not querying both at the same time. That would be crazy. I plan to do one then the other while writing my fourth novel.

What's new with you?

Have a great day!!

Trying to beat down fear.

Fear. Everyone fears something. You can't tell me you don't (if you don't tell me how). I have typical fears--fear of heights, spiders, the monster in my closet . . . See where I'm going with this. But I also have the fear of failure, rejection, blah, blah, blah. Heard it before, right?

As writers, we have tons of fears. Some of us can hide it better than others. When I first started this journey, my lack of "experience" made me, shall I say, naïve. So, I found myself more confident than I probably ever been. As time went on, and I gained more knowledge and experience, confidence started fraying and even breaking off to catch the breeze. It's odd, but something that I need to catch again.

It's not that I can't take the heat, I'm scared out of my skin to get back out there. Fear of rejection and that anything I produce is never perfect (yes, perfectionist here) is mostly the problem and it's freezing up my brain. I sit down to write and can't. It's frustrating and annoying. So I need a kick in the tushy. That's right, my tushy. I need a huge slap in the face to get motivated. To push through the blockade that's keeping my creativity hostage. Because lately, I've barely made baby steps. I'm trying to revise, and to be quite honest, I think I'm making the dang story worse (over revising possibly). I need to stick to something, ignore the internet and all opinions, and kick some story writing butt.

So give me your motivations. Your advice on pushing through and sticking to it. And how to scare the fear out of you.

Have a great day!!

Moving on.

Yeah, it's been a while and I missed IWSG. What's happening to me? Anyway, life has gotten in the way a little. I went on vacation with the family and any millisecond of time I get is writing. And yes, I'm still writing. I have a nervous pit in my stomach because I'm debating on whether to query any time soon. It's like a stroke of anxiety created a force field in front of my confidence. It's not easy to step back into the ring when you where defeated.

The thing is you have to get back up and fight. I know what I write is never "what they are looking for." But deep down I can't give in because I'll lose and it's game over. Who wants that? Why let others define what makes you happy? It's all subjective no matter how you look at it. Someone will always have something negative to say. It's their opinion.

It seems I always take the hard way no matter what I do. So I have to accept that it will take me longer. That's all. It will take me longer to find the one "who gets it." At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Trudge forward with my head high and stand behind what I write. If no one likes it, oh well, move forward and write on.

Alright, so who attended WriteOnCon? Great conference!! Thanks to all who helped put it one.

Have a great day!!

Oh Summer

Holy cow I've been a bad blogger. It's summer people forgive me. Summer is one season I do love. Although, it took on a different meaning when I was younger, well BK (before kids). After kids, it's totally different. I still love the beach days and the warmer weather, but it takes on a different feel. I do like spending time with my kids, but like every other mom out there, at times, I need a break.

Now summer is tiring. I enjoy going places with my kids, watching their faces light up when they discover something new, but I'm tired people. I'm counting down the days till school. You see the other thing that happens is writing time is squished down to the size of a pea. For me, I'm a scheduled person and when my schedule is jolted for a long period of time, mama gets cranky. Writing is my outlet and makes me feel human. It's true. It's a part of me and when it disappears for long periods at a time, it equals one unhappy lady.

Since writing time is a tiny window, my brain begins to melt. Yeah melt. It basically feels like a monster has come and taken the creative part of my brain and is holding it hostage. But this will pass. I know it will. Every year I get my time back. It's trying to handle the time away from my writing. I feel like  the well in my head dried up. I'm trying to do little things, but even that is hard cause I can't focus right. I'm trying.

I try to put things in perspective. At some point my kids will be teens and won't want to talk to me or need me so I should enjoy this and I do. There are times though a break is needed for personal growth and that's what I have to figure out in the summer. I need to still learn how not to feel guilty about writing when my kids are home. If they are quiet watching TV or playing, (work with me it is a rare occurrence) I should jump in and write, but I can't focus cause I'm anticipating an interruption or the next Hunger Games in my family room.

Life is like this. Learning to spread yourself to others while keeping you happy. It's not easy and is always a work in progress.

How about you? If you are a parent, how do you keep a writing schedule in the summer?

Have a great weekend!!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

I can't believe a month has gone by. I know I say this every time I post for this group, but seriously, the months are passing by fast. Anyway, thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting and organizing this wonderful group. Go check out the other lovely folks who participate.

 

 So, lately I've been out of touch. Mainly because I've been focusing on my writing. And now, I'm about to head down into the revision cave again. Yes, I got some feedback on my MS, and well, it's not terrible. Shocking for me. I do have some cleaning up to do and some things will change, but I actually have a story to work with. I plan to query this one. I'm not sure when. I'm trying to give myself a loose deadline, which I'll keep to myself . . . for now.

 

Last year, I pushed and pushed to query, and guess what, the story wasn't ready. I had written and revised that darn thing on and off for almost four years. I've learned a lot since then so my process is different and I'm more sure of my ability to put words on paper. I continue to challenge myself and grow as a writer. My focus is on my writing and strengthening, not solely getting an agent.

 

That was my focus before. If I got an agent, I would be respected and the non-believers would believe that I can. Where that can be true, I also must prove that I can . . .to me. You see, having an agent isn't the end. Sure, you have arrived and moved up the writing world ladder, closer to that publishing dream. But with that comes more demands, expectations, and pressure. The pros and cons do apply here just like they do with every part of life. But from what I've seen, it's also not all wine and roses. Things happen and getting an agent doesn't mean that you will be published or even remain together. Breakups happen. The thing is--nothing is certain.

 

What I do know is that I want this. I do. But I want to do it right. It doesn't mean nothing bad will happen, it means that's not my only focus. It's where I want to be at some point--when I'm ready. Of course, if an agent was interested in my work tomorrow, I'd be sending it ASAP. It just means my focus is writing, strengthening, and continue writing the stories I love. I will follow my path and not listen to those who don't believe. Cause one day, it will happen.

 

What's your focus?

 

Where do you want to be?

 

Have a great day!!

It's Friday . . .

Yep, it's Friday, and it's been raining on and off for days. It certainly doesn't help in my productivity department. Weather affects my mood. Anyway, I'm in limbo. It's that time in a writer's life where I finished a manuscript and it's out to betas for round one and I don't know what to do next. I wrote a query, which my computer lost (long story), then I wrote another one that I'm not super psyched about. It's the ho hum time. I want to write something new, but can't get into it and then I want to revise something old, but can't get into it. We all go through it. I'm anxious and annoyed. I need something to occupy this urge, this want. Drives me crazy, but it happens. It's part of the whole cycle. I'm reading a book, but I'm not fully feelin' it. You get the picture.

Anywho, a couple of things are going on.

1. Check out my beginnings links on YaLitChat in the Craft Masters group. Later in the month, the lovely Dianne Salerni gives her advice on writing the first chapter.

2. Write Club is up and open for submissions. It's a fun way to put a piece out there and get advice without anyone knowing who you are. D L Hammons is a wonderful host.

So what's new with you?

Are you in limbo too? How do you get writing again?

Have a great day!!

Insecure Writer's Support Group--the pay off.

It's that time again. I swear this past month flew by. Thanks again to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this awesome group. Go check out the other participants after you read my post of course.

Well, I'm almost done line edits. Torture is the word for it, but it's part of the process. Take the good with the bad type thing. It's funny how your learn things. I still feel like I struggle with this part of the process, but I've been told that my hard work is paying off. Good to hear. It's like watching your kids grow up. You don't see a whole lot of change until you look back to pictures from when they were babies. And when you get someone who doesn't see them often, they marvel at the little buggers growth. Yeah, that's what's going on.

My point is--keep going, keep writing, keep pushing yourself. It pays off. It may not be all at once--the whole sha-bang. It can come in little treats. Think of it as small doses of the best chocolate. So savor it, it means you're getting closer and growing. There will be sections where the chocolate is out of reach, but when you keep going it will fall into your lap.

So what's your insecurity today?

Don't forget to check out the other fine folks.

Have a great day!!

Wordy Wednesday

Well, today things are totally random hence the crazy title. I'm catching up and reporting what's happening. Sort of like fun facts Friday, but it's on Wednesday.

1. I finished my revision. Yes, I'm pumped. Now onto edits, then betas. Yikes. I know this process, but no matter how many times I do it, I still get nervous.

2. THE CAGED GRAVES by Dianne Salerni is out. Go check it out and get your copy. Congrats again, Dianne! I attended the signing last night, which was awesome! I can't wait to read it. Dianne is an amazing and talented lady.


Blurb (per Barnes and Noble .com):
The year is 1867, and seventeen-year-old Verity Boone is excited to return from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Catawissa, Pennsylvania, the hometown she left when she was just a baby. Now she will finally meet the fiancé she knows only through letters! Soon, however, she discovers two strangely caged graves . . . and learns that one of them is her own mother’s. Verity swears she’ll get to the bottom of why her mother was buried in “unhallowed ground” in this suspenseful teen mystery that swirls with rumors of witchcraft, buried gold from the days of the War of Independence, and even more shocking family secrets.

3. Go and congratulate E.C Myers. FAIR COIN has won the Andre Norton Award. You go, Eugene!Congrats! I'm so excited for him. He is a very talented and awesome guy! So, go, and throw confetti.


Blurb (per amazon.com):
The coin changed Ephraim's life. But how can he change it back?

Sixteen-year-old Ephraim Scott is horrified when he comes home from school and finds his mother unconscious at the kitchen table, clutching a bottle of pills. The reason for her suicide attempt is even more dis­turbing: she thought she'd identified Ephraim's body at the hospital that day.

Among his dead double's belongings, Ephraim finds a strange coin--a coin that grants wishes when he flips it. With a flick of his thumb, he can turn his alcoholic mother into a model parent and catch the eye of the girl he's liked since second grade. But the coin doesn't always change things for the better. And a bad flip can destroy other people's lives as easily as it rebuilds his own.

The coin could give Ephraim everything he's ever wanted--if he learns to control its power before his luck runs out.


4. I'm the new moderator for the Craft Masters Group on YaLitChat. Come on over and say hello and let me know what topics you would like to see covered.

What's new with you?

Have a great day!

RETURN TO ME by Justina Chen

Thanks to Joanne Fritz for recommending this book.

 

Title: RETURN TO ME

Author: Justina Chen

Publisher:Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 352

 

Blurb:

Nothing is going as planned for Rebecca Muir. She's weeks away from starting college--at a school chosen specifically to put a few thousand miles of freedom between Reb and her parents. But her dad's last-minute job opportunity has her entire family moving all those miles with her! And then there's the matter of her unexpected, amazing boyfriend, Jackson, who is staying behind on the exact opposite coast.

 

And if that isn't enough to deal with, mere days after moving cross-country, Reb's dad drops shocking, life-changing news. With her mother and brother overwhelmed and confused, Reb is left alone to pick up the pieces of her former life. But how can she do that when everything can change in an instant? How can she trust her "perfect" boyfriend when her own dad let her down? Reb started the year knowing exactly what her future would hold, but now that her world has turned upside down, will she discover what she really wants?

 

 

My take: I really adored this book. The writing is beautiful and the character sucks you in to her world that's spiralling out of control. Reb is trying to find her place down a path she never expected to wander on and I think everyone can relate to it. I also enjoyed that her want in life is to become an architect. It's a profession I haven't seen in teen books before. It's refreshing. The touch of the unknown "magic," so to speak, is fantastic too. Right up my alley. It's following-your-gut type thing brought up a couple of notches. It wasn't over the top and I think it fit into the story well. I would recommend this. A great summer read.

 

Thanks to Amazon.com for the photo and blurb. 

 

 

Have you read this book? Thoughts?

 

Have you read any great books you would like to share?

 

Have a great weekend!!

The Dream

Well, I'm still here. Yep, revising. I swear I'm the slowest person on the planet. That's probably a bad thing to admit, but well, it happens. Anyway, it's times like these where my mind wanders and I start to daydream, not only about my books, but I look at where I want to be. Of course, I have to keep everything in perspective and be happy with where I am now, but I'm also human.

I know we all have that dream. You know the one. Where you get the awesome agent, sign a great book deal, travel all over the country signing, and then maybe a movie deal gets thrown in. Yeah. That one. I do have it now and again, but then I have one that's more realistic. Agent, small book deal, local signings. Then as I continue down my path, let's just say lately, my dream has gotten smaller. I try to focus and push forward, and for the most part it's worked, but there's a tinging like a little bell reminding me that I'm me. Sounds crazy, but all my life I've worked my tail off to get what I want and most of the time it falls short. It's like I'm almost there, but . . . type thing.

In life there is always something--an obstacle. Something that continually blocks you or holds you back. Lately, that's what I've been feeling. And as I look back on my journey, I notice it. Almost to the point where I say, "I get it, I suck."

But I still try to push forward a heavy boulder that insists on shoving me backwards. Every avenue I've pursued comes to a dead end. The thing is I don't know what I'm looking for--a light, a positive notion to say, "yes you are getting there." I know things don't happen overnight and I write what I want to write not "the trend", but it sucks to see the trend coming around and the book that you wrote could be in it except no one wanted it. It's like I missed my chance or I'm running to catch it. Always on the tail end. As for the one I'm writing now, I feel like I'm going to have the same outcome. Don't yell, I need to be positive, I know.

It's all part of the path. Writing isn't easy and I'm certainly not the only person this has happened to. I get that. The whole either suck it up or get out. Totally get it. I'm a fighter and I don't know what I would do without writing. I would be empty.

I guess in the end, it's a moment. A moment where you're not sure where to turn or even what to think. You know where you want to be and where you are, and even the path to get there, but every branch you take snaps before you can get to the other side.

Has this happened to you?

Have a great day!

Insecure Writer's Support Group--Layers

Yep, it's that time again. I can't believe it's May. Whoa. Thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this. Check out the other wonderful participants here.

Yes, I'm still revising. It is forever, but you know how life can be. It gets in the way and then your deadline get pushed and you can't concentrate. It happens. Anyway, that's where I've been. Revising. I need a few days of hours alone, but it's not happening.

Today, I want to talk about layers. Not clothing layers or onion layers, just layers. Although, the whole revising process can be similar. I finally realized when revising to do it in layers. I'm stubborn so it takes me a while to learn. Anyway, I'm talking about going through your manuscript one layer at a time. Let's face it, revising can be overwhelming. Where do you start? And how can you think of everything at once?

Right now, I'm adding scenes. I'm an underwriter so I have to add things. I'm also making sure the sub plots make sense. After this, I will go back through making sure voice is consistent, then I'll check the character arc, then make sure each chapter is moving the story forward, then line edit. See layers. Of course, it doesn't have to be in that order, but you do what's comfortable for you.

This of course feels like it takes forever, but in the end you will have a perfect outfit. Well, perfect is left up to interpretation, let's say, polished.

So, that's where I am and I feel like it'll be forever before I'm through, but I'm hoping it ends soon.

Do you revise in layers?

Have a great day!!

Random things

It's Monday and rainy here so it makes me sleepy, but I have some things to share.

-Dianne Salerni's new release, THE CAGED GRAVES, will be out this month (May 14, 2013). Keep an eye out, it looks and sounds awesome.

Pretty, pretty cover.

-Yes, I'm still revising like crazy. Music is still creating visions of my characters, which I love. I've mentioned this several times. This week I've been really listening to the new Depeche Mode release. Yes, that synth pop band from the 80s. They have been producing music all these years, and they are one of my favorites. Here's the song that will be added to my latest WiP's playlist. It will sit beside Silversun Pickups. Total love.



-I'm feeling more comfortable with my writing process and doing things my way, which feels great and helps with the flow of things.

-I am scared to finish my latest revision because that means I'm closer to handing it to betas and it scares me cause, well, you know. Yes, I still get all nervy inside letting anyone read my stuff, but I know it will only help me improve.

 

See totally random. Plus, it's Monday and I'm sleepy.

What's new with you?

Any new books you are excited about?

Have a great day!!

Simply complex

It's funny how writing can make you feel. I know I've discussed this many times here. It does make me happy. I know I could never quit because the visions and ideas in my head never go away. Um, don't commit me now, you know the feeling. So I know I would have to keep writing so I can appease this issue. I've accepted it may take a while. Yes, other's will surpass me and who may have started after I did. This I'm fine with, which is quite freeing, if I do say so myself.

What's happening now is still the fear of never getting there. Yes, this is common. Yes, I've improved, slowly, which is another story, but let's face it, I can't compare to anything so improvement is really left up to interpretation. I guess my problem is why I keep picking the most complicated things to write. Why can't I keep it simple? Why do I have to continually over challenge myself with complex characters and plots? This is what's frustrating. I can't keep things simple in anything I do. The first novel I finished I did it from two, yes, two POVs (a girl and a boy), why? I hope to one day come back to it, but why can't I just write at the level I'm ready for now.

So, for my current manuscript, I'm writing a character inside another character. Seriously, I'm insane. You would think since I didn't really get far with the other two novels that are complex, I'm not with this. I'm trying to stay positive, reminding myself there are reasons for this and this will make me stronger, but there are times when I wonder if I really am. Have I become a stronger writer? Have I made progress? Will any story I write be simple?

I'm not sure of the answers, yet. Hopefully, one day I will. Even though it's frustrating, I have to accept it, because to stop writing would be like never eating chocolate again. Okay, it would be more than that, more like a piece of my heart would be missing.

So what are your thoughts? Do you write things that are super complex? How do you solve this issue?

Have a great day!!

Good old music

I'm on a roll this week. Two posts, look out. :)

As you all know, music is vital to my writing. Certain songs will entice movie-like scenes to appear in my head that usually spark a story. So, I have playlists for every story/manuscript I've written. And it's not one or two songs, it's a lot, we're talking soundtrack.

Over the weekend, I heard a song from my playlist for the first novel that I ever finished. I could see it as clear as day (don't think I'm crazy). I still love that manuscript. Sure, it was my first and all that, but when I see it in my head, I feel it again. It's a book that I shelved and one that I intend to dust off and look at again, one day.

In a way, this thought makes me feel happy cause I'm proud of it and the characters spoke very clearly to me. I know, I'm sounding crazy again. Wait, you're writers so you know what I mean. It's that giddy like feeling where a smile spreads on your face and comfort warms your heart. Okay, I'm getting mushy. First novels have a way to make you feel this way. Because they are your first and it was an exciting adventure. Some people have told me this and it's true, but my first novel is buried in me. It keeps holding on and reminds me of what it could be one day. Yes, I thought about this over the weekend because one song from this book's soundtrack played on the radio. Sigh.

But other things need to be finished before I can revisit the past. I'm focused on my latest manuscript and can't wait to finish this revision. The soundtrack is awesome, if I do say so myself. As soon as I put on the songs, things fall into place and it feels pretty good. *fingers crossed* Yes, I'm still scared to death for anyone to read it. It's that whole everything-I-write-is-crap mentality and the little bug called doubt except I'm starting to learn how to harness the little sucker. I'm getting there.


Working on anything new?

What sparks your muse?

Have a great day!!

Go deeper

I enjoy writing from first person. I don't know why, it's one of those natural things.  I guess, I like becoming the character--getting inside their head and living through them just for a moment is amazing. Writing from this POV isn't the easiest. I'm not saying other POVs are not. Trust me, I don't feel comfortable writing in 3rd and I'm not sure if I could. Not that I wouldn't try, it just doesn't feel natural to me.

Let's face it, writing a novel is like swimming in the sea. Everything can seem overwhelming and scary. We may not know what direction to go when we are on the surface. The story is there, rippling and sparkling in the sunlight, but something is needed. Something that needs to take the reader to another level. When writing any character, I have to take a step back and look at the overall picture. That's when I usually ask myself, "Can I go deeper?" Think about it. If you're in a wide mass of water, you want to know what's beneath, right? Okay, maybe not, the whole JAWS thing, but if you did you'd know what you're dealing with and how to get out. You learn more and it brings your knowledge of the sea to another level.

What? What do you mean? You ask. Can I go deeper into this character's mind? Do I need to pull out more emotion from this character? Would the character react the way I have them react? What is in their head and what are they thinking?

Creating some, if not all of this, will suck the reader in, making them feel, making them care, and really want to know more. Because they'll be invested emotionally. It'll let your character have a stronger voice and make them real. Okay, you know what I mean, not real . . .real. Just real. It's Monday, so give me a break, my brain doesn't function too well in the morning.

My point: As you travel through your revisions, step back, then step into your character's head. Be them. Yes, step inside their skin. Think if you can go deeper into their mind than you have. Ask yourself questions that can take you there. Put yourself in your character's shoes and try to think they way they do. You'll create a character that will allow the reader to be them instead of a character that's just telling the story.

So, do you get into your character's head?

Does anyone want to add their methods or have any craft books they would like to add?

What are your favorite book that you felt emotionally attached to the character?

I bet you wanna go for a swim now, right? Yeah, I have beach on the brain.

Have a great day!

Other things

So, other than revising like crazy, I've been revisiting my photography days. Yes, I was a photography gal back when there was film (I totally just aged myself). Sometimes other hobbies are good to clear the brain. The other day I was stuck on something so my little guy and I went to Longwood Gardens (local place full of flowers and fun stuff for the kiddos). Now, I'm not the best at people photos. I'm more of a nature/architecture snap shooter. Way back in the day, black and white was my thing, but now I allow color. It depends on my mood. So, another thing to do when you're stuck find something you enjoy to tickle the brain.

Photo by Christine Danek

 

Photo by Christine Danek

 

No, I'm not going to become a famous photographer. But it is nice to have something that satisfies the creative part of my head when I get stuck on my writing.

 

What hobbies do you guys have (other than reading books, which is a given)?

 

Have a great day!!

 

 



Insecure Writer's Support Group

Hi all! Thanks to the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this montly event. Go here to check out all the other participants.

It's spring, well, it's supposed to be. It's still cold in the northeast. You know how much I depise winter, and it's dragging it's feet getting out of here. Anyway, I'm in revisions and I have this love/hate relationship with them. I love the part where you move things around and make your manuscript shine, but I hate how long it takes. Of course that's part of the path. I try to keep things interesting by jumping around my story. Trust me, this one needs lots of description, but I also don't want to tell too much. Yeah, one of those.

I also don't want to lose the voice. It has to be consistant. But my methods are always . . . unusal. Revisions sometimes make you feel like you're making progress, but not. I guess cause you're not getting immediate feedback so you're not sure where you stand until someone reads it. So what do you do? Maybe have a crit partner read some parts that are done. It helps you see if you're on track, plus you get some feedback when you're ready to go through another round.

Revisions can be lonely, and yes, there are many distractions that will flirt with you, ignore them. They only tease and pester and sometimes makes you feel not worthy or small. Like I said, block it out, turn it off, and focus. I know, easier said than done. But if you focus, the rewards will be great.

So, go forth writers and create.

I want to apologize for my lack of comments lately. Revisions have got my focus. I can't say my work is great, but I'm trying to make it something.

How's your progress?

Have a great day!!

Sharing Candy

Whoa, two posts in one week. Gasp. Actually, I just wanted to say--

HAPPY EASTER!!

 

 

 

and here's some chocolate.

 

 

 

Yeah, I'm sharing because I can be sweet like that. :)

 

 

Oh and if you are in the Philly area this evening, check out First Page Crit Session at Arcadia University. Four amazing authors will be critquing the first pages. And I mean, amazing. K.M. Walton, Amy Garvey, Tiffany Schmidt and E.C. Myers.  Go here for the complete details. I'm going to try and make it.

 

Have a great weekend!!

Yep, still here

No, I haven't been abducted by aliens or sent to some parallel universe. I'm still here. Revising like a mad woman. I'm adding some scenes and then I revise them. It's tedious but it's better than edits. *shivers* Not looking forward to that. Yes, I'll be scanning for betas soon. I do plan to query at some point, but I am taking my time with this in the hopes that I can make it the best I can. Unlike the last time. *hides in corner*

So, yeah, I'm getting there. I think after my last experience with querying, I've have a whole slew of emotions and feelings, but I know what I want and what it takes. So, I'm standing tall and ignoring the negative and the unsupportive. Trust me, it's not easy, it seeps in like an infection in the blood. Stand tall, my friends, you'll get here. With that, here's a song that, well, makes you dance and let everything go. Cause it makes you feel free.

Enjoy!



How's your progress?

Any news?


Have a great day!

Just ask

So, I've been so involved with my WiP that I'm surprised I know what day it is. Anyway, it's a good problem. I still like my characters and story. I finally figured out my plot issues . . . I hope. And I gave myself a deadline of June 1st for this draft. I'm hoping I finish sooner to satisfy my impatience, but I'm trying to be realistic and thorough.

I also downloaded Scrivener. That's a another post, but let's just say once I understand it, I think it will be awesome.

Today, I want to talk about asking. Yes, asking. I have a bad habit of keeping things to myself and trying to solve things on my own. On one hand, this is fine, but it doesn't hurt to ask for help. I guess my problem is that I'm afraid I'm bothering someone or I may sound stupid. The whole "I may look weak" mentality. But I'm not. I'm a big one for not wanting to disturb, but to figure out this plot problem, I had to do something. I asked and answers came. And I can't thank my CPs and friends enough. So thanks, guys.

So don't hesitate to ask, you'd might be surprised of what may come of it.

How's your progress?

Read any good books lately?

Any news?

Have a great day!!

Books to check out.

Happy Friday! I have some reads you will want to check out.

Title : GLASS HEART

Author: Amy Garvey

Publisher HarperTeen

Pages: 320

 

Blurb: In Cold Kiss, Wren Darby learned she had powers strong enough to bring her dead boyfriend back to life. She thought she had to keep these powers a secret from everyone, until she met Gabriel, a mind reader who instantly learned her deepest secret.

In the sequel, Glass Heart, Wren is torn between her love for Gabriel and the rush of exploring her powers. When Gabriel warns Wren that her powers are getting out of control, Wren begins spending more time with Bay and Fiona, whose magic is wild, exhilarating—and dangerous.

And by the time Wren realizes Gabriel was right, she may already have lost him.

 

Title: BLACK CITY

Author: Elizabeth Richards

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Pages: 384

 

Blurb:

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable--they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash's long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they're caught, they'll be executed--but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Show more

Show less

 

Both were great reads. The pacing, plot and voice . . .LOVE. Also, swoony love interests. :)

Okay, back to my cave.

 

What are you reading?

 

Have a great day!! 

Show more

Show less

Insecure Writer's Support Group

As always, thanks to awesome Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting this event. Please go and check out the other fine folks who participate. As writers, we need support and inspiration and this is such a great group.

Being a writer is rewarding, difficult, frustrating, annoying, joyous, exciting, depressing, you see where I'm going. It's a roller coaster ride, but we wouldn't do it unless we loved it. We are told to write everyday to strengthen our craft, but the thing is not all of us can. Our lives and situations are all different so we have to find creative ways to do this. Sitting down at a computer and typing my little heart out is not always something I can do. Don't get me wrong. I want to, badly. If I had an agent or a book that was under contracted then I would have to sit my household down and say, "Look, this is my job." But in my house, well you know, no pay means it's a hobby. Anywho, I find other ways to do this.

Writing on the go is what I like to call it.

Get a journal. You know the little book with blank pages. Also, grab a pencil. No. 2 always works, but any kind. Take it with you wherever you go.

"Then what?" you ask.

Look around you. It doesn't take much. For example, you are at a museum with the kids. When you sit to have a snack, take it out, and try to describe something you saw in one of the exhibits. Get picky and try to write your words as a painter would paint. Make it real. Sure, your kids are there and I'm not saying totally neglect them, but if they are sitting quietly (I know this is a little unrealistic and quiet is up to the parent to define), eating, take 2 seconds and write a bunch of words. No rules. Just write.

Got a plot changing idea and you're waiting for your little guy in karate. Work it out. Pull out your journal and jot the thought down.

Another idea is to bring a copy of a chapter with you and work through the issues on paper. That way when the time presents itself so you can sit at the computer and type your little heart out, you can. Things are worked out and it will be easier to work through.

I think about my stories pretty much all day. I have more ideas than I know what to do with. Yes, I have Post-its everywhere. The thing is we are all different and our situations are too, so do what you can and you will get to where you want to be.

Do you write on the go?

What are your tricks?

I'm still writing, guys, so sorry again for M.I.A. I'm trying for a once a week post and I'm getting there.

Have a great day!!

Stepping into the unknown

Yep. I'm still here. I have to apologize for the absence, but I've been writing, and well, as much as I love all of you, writing is what I need to tend to first.

So, I decided to revisit the manuscript I wrote last fall. And I have to say, I'm excited. Now, as you all know this feeling doesn't last through the whole process. There will be a point of I-hate-you, but you know that feeling when no matter what, you will see this through. The love runs deep.

Writing something new makes you feel like you jumped off a cliff into space. That first draft is a plunge into the darkness. The possibilities are endless, but the unknown is exciting and frustrating at the same time.

Then when you finish that draft a feeling of euphoria. You should be this way because you have just finished something not many people do.

After a small break, revisions travel over like a storm cloud. They hang there waiting for you to transform your story into something that shines. This is where I am with this one. I'm about to step into the ring and wrangle this animal. I'm at the point where it's all I can think about even when I sleep. A flurry wiggles in my belly eager to get started. Ready to take it on. Today is the day I start. It's funny how each manuscript is different just like kids. This is my third novel and I still get excited and scared at the process. You would think I would be used to it. The whole unknown sort of freaks me out, but it's a good thing.

Well, I may be down to 1-2 posts a week with this revision taking my attention.

How are your goals coming along?

Have a great day!   

Distraction and books

I'm at that point in my revisions where new ideas and other manuscripts are distracting me. It happens to everyone. That new idea that's so awesome you know it's going to score something. Ya know, the dream. Of course, at this point, I know better. And yes, it's nice to dream, but reality is always a constant. Let's be real and put one foot in front of the other. Learn and grow is my motto this year.

I do like the manuscript I'm revising. I'm . . .I don't know . . . don't have my heart in it. I like it. Okay, I especially like the MCs love interest, but I'm not feeling the story past chapter 4. Something is missing and I can't figure out what, so that's why my brain is flirting with others. It's bored and needs something more. Whatever is missing is bugging me to know end.

So what's a girl to do?

I'm the type of person where I need to finish something before throwing myself into something else. My intention was to clean up this MS to at least have a clean story, send it to betas, and move on to the one I just wrote the end of last year. The thing is--I'm thinking the MC's main goal is weak, but who knows. Plus, this other newer MS has been stuck on my brain since I finished the first draft.

If I put this away again, I'm not sure if I'll come back to it anytime soon. That makes me feel like I failed, and I know it won't leave when I write or revise other stories. A break? A breather? To see how it goes? It's possible. And something I may have to try to move forward.

So how do you juggle this dilemma?

Oh and I have some book recommendations. Go check them out.

EMPTY by K.M. Walton

QUANTUM COIN by E.C. Myers

 

 

I'm currently reading this and like it so far.

 

BLACK CITY by Elizabeth Richards

 

 

Have you read any of these? Thoughts?

 

Have a great day!!

 

 

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Yep, it's that time. Another month has past. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for his super hosting skills. Also, when you are ready, go check out the other fine folks who participate.

Rejection stinks. We all know this. It's funny because last year after sending out numerous queries that were followed by rejections I thought I knew how to deal. I prepared myself with the thought that I would get rejected, but had a glimmer of hope for at least a partial request. None of it happened and after a beta suggested to keep my novel to one POV, I decided to stop. The novel needed more work, I had to face that. That's the thing. It takes signs to show us what we need to see. Rejection meant it wasn't ready. No matter how much I changed my query or my beginning, it simply wasn't ready. Did I cry? Yes. Did I get angry? You betcha. Did I tune out for a while? Uh huh.

In fact, I distanced myself from many things even those who support me, because I felt embarrassed and even a failure. The thing is--I wasn't. I'm a writer, and guess what, this comes with the territory. It doesn't matter how you cut it. You will get rejected, people will disagree with you, hey, they might not like your stuff or you, but you have move on and push through.

My method of dealing was probably ridiculous and down right dumb, but it's the way I had to deal, and now, I know better. I needed to find my focus and move forward and I did. Do I still want an agent? Darn tootin'. But I also want to be a better writer. A friend of mine, K.M. Walton, (who always has the best advice) reminds me--"You must do your time."She's right. You have to put your time in, do the best that you can, focus, and you will get there. She also says, "Don't let the goal overshadow where you are right now." Seriously, so true.

Dealing with all of it is hard, and yes, it's okay to have it out with your feelings (chocolate is a good friend of mine), you just have to figure out where and how to release the energy.

That's my pep talk. Now, put on your superwriter suit and get typing. :)

What are you dealing with lately?

Have a great day!!

Why I keep going.

It feels like this whole month has been about reflection for me. I've made a ton of mistakes over the past few years in my writing life and I'm sure I'll make more. I've let my thirst for a certain goal blind my focus. You've heard this before and it's nothing new. I think I'm trying so hard, but wind up getting beat down, which comes with the territory. The thing is I'm searching for a certain support from someone whom I love. I feel like no matter how hard I try, my writing seems a mediocre feat in this person's eyes.

I can't ignore all the support I've had from everyone, not only in this community, but in my daily life. It's beyond words and I can't be more thankful. But you know how you just want that one person to believe in you. Even if they say they do, there's that hint of doubt when they smile or that haze when you talk about a victory. My writing is me and I can't let that go so why can't this person see.

I keep going to prove that I can do this, to show that this is what I am. I've never written this into words before and I've been holding on to it for years. I know deep down this person loves me with all their heart and I love them.  I just want to stop feeling guilty for writing, I want this person to truly believe in me.

Sorry for the sappiness today. I needed to release this, and well, I feel a little better. I probably am at fault because I keep a lot of my writing a secret. I guess because this person never seemed to care about it. And maybe they do and they're too afraid to show it. I don't know. It's one of those things. No paycheck then why spend the time type of thing. At least, that's the impression I get.

Anywho, what's buggin' you today?

Have a great day!!

The torture of multiple ideas.

So, I'm back in the revising cave. I'm trying super hard to focus on my revisions and I'm getting there. I'm actually rewriting the second half and I'm wondering if that's even worth it. I have so many stories to tell, but the only way to learn is to stick it out and see it through. Write and learn. I'm tearing it apart and looking at what needs to be done.

The thing is, I have two other manuscripts yelling at me. The usual deal. Just when you thought you could focus, right? Now, I'm writing down my ideas and putting them aside so that when I'm ready to take on those bad boys, I'll know what I want to do. Easy peasy.

The problem is, I start to get this attack that since I'm a sloth at writing, I will miss my chance. What I'm writing may be just starting to be the trend, but when my sweet babies are ready to enter the big bad world, they will be old and wrinkled. The time will have blew right by me. It's an ongoing cycle and one I keep dealing with on a daily basis. So, I have to keep focused, which is easier said than done, but I'm working on it.

For now, I will keep revising and see where it takes me.

Are you staying focused?

Have a great day!!

Monday Mumbles.

It's Monday and I was sick all last week along with my little guy. So, I'm recovering, and well, writing has taken over again, so hence, the lack of blog posts.

I did want to mention a contest (that's free) posted on Writer's Digest. 13th Free "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest (Young Adult and Sci-fi) from Guide to Literary Agents. Go check it out. It's live till January 31st. You never know till you try, right?

Also, a post on Conflict and Desires--Plot by Novel Rocket. Helping your characters with conflict and desire. Basically, the title sums it up.

So, what's new with everyone?

How are your goals?

Have a great day!!

New year, New you, New beginnings (reflection week)

At the beginning of every year, I sometimes think of how I want it to go. I do the same thing in September. Two points where I regroup and wonder. I know my long term goals, those remain unchanged, but what about now. How do I tackle the year with my life and where do I want to be at the end of it?

I mean, really, how can we create expectations that are out of our control? I know I can be repetitive with my topics and embarrass myself on a daily basis. I can be awkward and quiet or social and friendly. I like to please and hate it when people talk about me behind my back. Most of the time, I'm probably walking contradiction. Trust me, I'm not easy to be around.

The thing is--I'm thankful everyday. I'm thankful for my family and friends and my life. Especially those who put up with me. So this year, I will continue to look at things differently, challenge, and inspire. I will push myself and help others. I will keep an open mind and not let little things get under my skin.

I've already had some small changes happen and I'm thrilled to look ahead and let the past be the past.

Looking at the world with new eyes, trying something new, challenge yourself, meet someone new and treasure the ones you love--all of these add up to new beginnings, which can lead to a new you.

Obviously, this week has been about reflection.

So, what are you looking forward to this year?

Any goals?

Have a great day!

rebel Writer's Creed

Like I said before, I'm pushing myself harder than ever this year. I'm going to take my writing to new levels. The lovely Sheri Larsen has posted a rebel Writer's Creed. The words struck me as something I want to follow, to keep in mind, and reminder of how I want to live my writing life.







Are you going to take the creed? Go here to check it out.

Have a wonderful day!!