Christine's Journey

Fun Facts Friday

2012-02-17T06:54:00.000-05:00

This week was good. All the sickness in my house has somewhat disappeared, for now, I should knock on wood or something. Progress on my writing is it's going, slowly as usual. On with the facts.

1. If you own a huge vehicle, fine, I'm not judging, but I beg you, please give me enough space when you park next to me, so I can get my kids out. I was about to get my son out of my car when a huge Ford Expedition parked next to me. So close, that the person who parked it could barely get out of her SUV. When she got out, she said sorry, and ran into the store. Seriously? There were other spots that were even closer. I'm just asking for courtesy.

2. I started to go through my manuscript that I want to query, and it still needs a lot of work. The class I'm taking has me seeing the whole thing differently, and boy, it's bad. I'm sorry to those of you who have read it.

3. If you are in the West Chester (Pa.) area on Saturday, stop by Iron Hill. Philly Lit will be meeting up. I hope to stop by at some point. Hosted by the lovely Frankie Diane Mallis and the always snarky Simon Larter. You guys rock. Plus, my town is awesome. Oh, and since Frankie will be there--there will be photos. :)

See cute town=awesome. Wish it was warm enough to sit outside.

4. If you are a Depeche Mode fan (Just to let you know--I'm a huge fan). Check out this dad and kids covering one of DM's songs. They are really good.

5. It's funny how old story ideas come back to you. I just remembered a story I came up with 10 years ago and started to figure out how I could make it work. At the time I thought of it, I could only come up with bits and pieces and now this one might become something someday--after I get through all the other stuff that clouding my brain.

6. Dangling modifiers are not my friend. I hate those sneaky buggers.

How was your week?

Any news?

Have a great weekend!

Let it flow

2012-02-13T06:54:00.000-05:00

Letting things flow gives a freeing sensation--imagine skipping through a field of flowers on a warm day or relaxing on a beach while a turquoise ocean touches your toes. That release allows you to move forward and let things seem easy, not complicated or difficult. It could be compared to letting things go as well. Being a writer we tend to hold onto feelings and moments. Maybe re-living them to the smallest detail and talking out loud to our characters. Some of the "normal" folks may think we are not totally sane, but we know better.

Holding onto things may also take place in real life. It leads to over thinking, halting rational thought, which could lead to even worse things like regret, loneliness, weird feelings of being used and that you're easily forgotten--just some examples. Yeah, strange thing the mind is (that's Yoda flowing through me).

It's like a large door of you're a nobody. The thing is--if you let it go and concentrate on yourself, then that freeing feeling I was talking about comes into play. That large door of nobody opens to a full-fledged party, starring you.

So enough of the heavy, I'm supposed to talk about writing not real life emotions, but of course this topic could span both.

Allowing yourself to write freely can open up the door of creativity. Yep, I'm talking about free writing. I used to free write before I knew "the rules," heck before I knew that's what it was called. Once I started chopping, erasing, line editing, fixing plot holes and character flaws that thing called breathing words ceased and became hard, rigid, and over thought.

Free writing. I finally did do this again. It felt good and I felt a little rebellious like I was breaking so many laws, which I probably did in a writerly sense, but that's okay. It allowed creativity to flow into a new story that I'm dying to write. It helped me think of a few details and start an outline.
It allowed me to breathe words again just like when you allow yourself to let things go in real life--you breathe.

You breathe and enjoy what is to come.

Have you done some free writing lately?

How was your weekend?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2012-02-10T06:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad this week's over.

1. I've been to a doctors office three, yes three, times this week. My son had an ear infection on Monday and my daughter got strep. The pediatrician suggested I get tested for strep since I've been sick. Thank goodness it was negative, but she told me to try and stay away from my daughter. Huh? How do I do that?

2.I've been watching Lost Girl on SyFy. I have to say the premise is really great. The acting--not so much. Plus, this show relies heavily on the s-e-x factor. Lots of skin to say the least, but like I said, the premise is interesting.

3. I'm reading PARTIALS by Dan Wells. It's to be released 2/28/12. I'll let you know what I think.

4. I'm working hard on my writing class, and I have to say, I may take more. Can you see the smoke coming from my brain? This class is great and you get to use an actual piece of YOUR work. So, you get to see how it changes from when you started. Me likey.

5. I'm getting so excited for this movie:

I can't contain myself. I really can't wait. *shakes*

6. To all the chocolate lovers--Have you tried Reese's Minis or Hershey's drops? Holy cow. So good.

7. I think this is the longest amount of time I've been away from the manuscript I want to query. I'm starting to get the itch to dive back in, but I'm taking my time by taking notes, well, bullet point notes on what I need to focus on. It's sort of a new way for me to approach revisions.

8. I still have a ton of characters invading my head, but I'm writing some new things when I get a minute. Call it free writing, I guess. I'm trying to write without thinking. Totally hard for me, but I'm trying.

Well, that's all for this week.

How was your week?

What TV shows have surprised you?

What's your favorite chocolate?

Oh and who's excited and can't wait for The Hunger Games Movie?

Have a great weekend!

Where did she go?

2012-02-08T06:54:00.000-05:00

Yep, this is me at the end of the night sometimes in the middle of the day.

Okay, so I missed my post day on Monday. The fact is things have gotten a little out of control here at my household. You know what happens when I give my attention to one thing--other things must suffer. Sorry. It's the way the world turns. I wish I could clone myself. It would make things a heck of a lot easier. Plus, the kiddos got sick and I got sick. Again. Another reason I dislike winter. Germs are spread at an alarming rate.

Anywho, I'm still trying to work on revisions. See, I don't give up easily. I also signed up for a writing class. So...yeah...that means homework-like stuff. The fabulous Stina Lindenblatt ~~demanded~~ recommended it. :)

Am I scared? Yep, but it's a challenge and a hard one at that. But you know what, I know it will help me. The first assignment has got me really pushing myself. Holy cow! *inserts another piece of chocolate in mouth*

The class I'm taking is called The Triple Threat Behind Staging a Scene taught by Tiffany Lawson Inman at the Marie Lawson site. It's all about amping up those action scenes and scenes in general. Lord knows, I need it.

So, if I'm not here, that's what I'm doing.

Has anyone taken any great writing courses they'd like to share?

How's your progress?

Have a great day!

Relaxing in the sun

2012-02-03T06:52:00.001-05:00

Well, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow. I'm still questioning that prediction. Really. They pull a groundhog from a dark cage/tree thing and expect it to tell us whether it sees its shadow or not. I'd be scared to death to be pulled from darkness and held up in front of 18,000 people.

Anyway, Phil saw his shadow so that means 6 more weeks of winter. As you know, I dislike winter, well, cold. This year, we've been lucky. On Wednesday, it was 65 degrees. Not bad. I certainly can deal with that kind of winter.

So, I thought I'd put an exercise out there for ya.

Some free writing. Take the picture above and write.

Describe what you feel, smell, taste, and hear.

Start a new story. You wake up here or this is the view from your character's house. Maybe you're stranded with -- insert hot/cute companion other here. I'm thinking James Franco, but select who you want.

The possibilities are endless.

Go for it!

How was your week?

What other writing exercises get your juices flowing?

Have a great weekend!

Points of Perfect

2012-02-02T21:42:00.000-05:00

The word 'perfect' is just that--perfect. It can have a snotty edge to it when pronounced, and I'm not fully fond of the word. Over my life, I've tried to make sure everything I did was just that--perfect. I've failed several times and not with just one aspect of my life--pretty much all of it. Things needed to look a certain way, my schedule had to be just so, and my work had to please everyone.

Silly, right?

A tough lesson to learn when your the artsy type.

I learned as an interior designer that I couldn't please all my clients, but I did whatever it took to make them happy. If they didn't like a fabric--I reselected. If they didn't like a floorplan--I redrafted. I had to because it was my job and I felt better about myself. I felt relieved that I made my client happy and got paid.

With writing it's the same, but different. Writing feels different to me. It lives in me, and usually, I can't wait to do it.

Three years ago, I started on this journey and I feel like this year is the year I'm really starting. Why? When I first started, I was so naive to everything. I thought I was awesome and my idea was fantastic. I tried my best to fit in, but instead I was being stupid. I learned a little, but not as much as I should have in my quest to gain respect, I probably made myself a laughing stock.

I guess I thought I had something and maybe I was above starting at the bottom. Silly really. We all have to start somewhere. So now, I'm learning as much as I can to catch up, to gain respect, and doing what I can to please. To perfect.

The one thing I've learned is I can't please everyone. Even when I write a post or a tweet, I have to keep in mind someone will not like it and they may tell me about it and it may hurt. I may lose friends over my mistakes, they may think I'm not worthy or dumb, but I can't let that stop me. I push through to perfect my work the only way I know how and the only way I want too.

So, keep in mind--we all make mistakes, we're not perfect (trust me, everyone has some sort of imperfection. They really do), the grass always looks greener on the other side and you can't please everyone.

This is just a dash of my wisdom. Have a great night!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

2012-02-01T07:17:00.003-05:00

Well, I just realized that today was Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh. My other post will have to happen another day.

So, here's where I'm at--still in frustrated mode. I have to say that my revisions this time around are going so slow. Way slow. As you know, I'm a bit of an impatient person. I feel like I want to vomit every time I look at my manuscript. I know, take a break. I have. A lot. I think my issue is that I see the end--I just have to get there. I do have the drive, the want...everything, but when I look at it, I start to feel sick. I clam up and hesitate.

I think every writer at some point feels this way. Maybe they work on something else, read a book or watch a movie. Check, check, and check. Yep, I did them. The one problem, which isn't bad, is my mind keeps getting flooded with new characters telling me their story. They actually speak to me and tease me with a scene. I try to throw myself into their world, but it's like I'm cheating on the other manuscript (the one that I'm trying to send to queryland) and the new characters go silent. They slide back into their dark hole while my fingers freeze. It's like I don't know how to write something new. I do have another novel that is in dire need of revisions, another story outlined, and countless scenes to a bunch of ideas, but I can't get fully into their mode.

Maybe I'm in limbo. You know, like when a child is about to walk. They struggle to stand, and when they do they're excited. Then they fall, and cry, and maybe turn to something else like a toy before trying again, because they're scared. When they try again, they hesitate. Maybe they're thinking of how to continue, maybe not. They may repeat this cycle until they take that first step and succeed. Sure they'll fall again, but they get back up and keep trying until their walking is perfected.

I think that's where I'm at. I'm struggling to take the next step. I'm stopping for that toy to distract me. I'm learning a lot, but hesitant and overwhelmed by all the information I'm trying to process. I know once I apply it, I will be perfecting it, but I'm also scared out of my mind that when I take that step and fall --will I get back up?

I know I will, it's a stupid question to even think, but it's natural. I think I need to follow my gut. Once I apply some of these rules and refresh some scenes, it will be ready. I think. I hope, because nothing new will flow until this one's out of my head. Plus, like with anything new, I'll probably be fine once it's gone and I've gone through the whole process, but it's that step that feels so huge and makes me feel so little.

I'm keeping in mind that it's like riding a bike. Once I get out of revision mode, I will be able to write another novel in no time. I maybe shaky at first, but once the wheels turn I'll enjoy the ride.

How's your progress?

Have a great day!

Curse you comma

2012-01-30T07:11:00.001-05:00

The comma. One of those pieces of punctuation that can be a pest. Really, these little buggers are magicians. I swear. I think I put them in the right place, but it's not always the right place. Then, they seem to move or disappear. I'm sure it's my brain playing these tricks, but commas can be confusing.

For some of you, using the comma is as easy as putting on a sock. For the rest of us, it's like solving a really difficult trigonometry problem. So, what's a comma?

I hear you snicker. I'm serious here.

Definition: Comma--(Thanks to http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ for the definition.)
1. A punctuation mark ( , ) used to indicate a separation of ideas or of elements within the structure of a sentence.

2. A pause or separation; a caesura.

There's also a type of butterfly, but I'm not talking about nature today.

We use this little mark everyday. How? Maybe you need to write the date. January 30, 2012. Maybe you received a huge advance--$500,000. Nice, right? But I'm in the process of going through line edits and I'm trying to make my sentences stronger. Plus, I don't want to look like an idiot.
Let's start out with a simple use.

-- Separating items in a series. You'll need pencils, erasers, and paper.

Okay, maybe that's obvious. Easy peasy, right? What about this one:

--Separating main clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction. I see your blank stare. Here's an example: My ears ached, and my chest hurt. Two clauses that make sense on their own linked by a coordinating conjunction--for, and, or, so, but, nor, yet.

Let's take a peek at some more.

--Separating coordinate adjectives. The short, pointy sword sat on the shelf. The rule is if you can place an and in between them, or you can switch the adjectives around and they still make sense, then a comma is the way to go.

--Setting off nonrestrictive elements and clauses. Nonrestrictive element--Emma, who is from England, lives in West Chester. The element that's set off by commas is added information and can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Nonrestrictive clause--She hated his lectures, which could last for hours. These are clauses or phrases that act as adjectives or adverbs to the main clause.

--Setting off most introductory elements. Unfortunately, his car ran out of gas. Unfortunately is modifying the clause that follows.
--Before and after direct speech. "I'll meet you at the diner," he said. I don't think I need to elaborate on this one.

See, the comma can be your friend. I know I blew through those faster than a cheetah chasing it's prey, but these are the more obvious uses. On Wednesday, I will go through more examples.

Meanwhile, check out the links below for more comma info:

Commas/Punctuation rules.

EnglishClub.com--Comma

The comma is a mysterious thing, but knowing some simple rules can alleviate some headaches. I hope. :)

Do you get confused with the magical comma?

Thanks to the THE LITTLE BROWN HANDBOOK by H. Ramsey Fowler and Jane E. Aaron, and IT WAS THE BEST OF SENTENCES. IT WAS THE WORST OF SENTENCES., by June Casagrande. I used them for my research. :)

Have a great day!

Desire to run

2012-01-27T07:55:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's hard for me to change, but this year I vow to include more exercise. My body is telling me too. I don't know why. I've never liked running, but for some reason, my body wants to do it. So, I'm trying to fit it into my day. I value every second I have on my lappy, but I'm realizing time away from it is valuable too. Brainstorming is part of working, and from what I've been told, exercising is a good way to brainstorm.

Brainstorming is one of the best parts in writing a story (at least, I think so). I do talk a lot when I do it, so if anyone is in the house, they may question my sanity. It amazes me how much can be worked out. It's like you're acting in your own movie. Way fun. So, I think a little exercise may get some of these juices flowing.

It's also important to stay healthy. I'm not saying cut out the chocolate. *holds heart* Unless it's absolutely necessary, then cut back if you have too. What I'm saying is --we exercise our brains pretty much every minute of the day-- I think our body needs to move too. Plus, I'm thinking this will help with working problems out in my MS and helping with some new ideas that have appeared in my brain. Seriously, I've had four new ideas this week with characters speaking to me, which I had to write down immediately (I was writing one down last night while waiting for a friend at a restaurant). My brain is about to explode and I'm ready to eliminate sleep and write them all. (I keep picturing me wearing those eye devices from A Clockwork Orange, and typing all night long.) I know, weird visual.

Of course, I could get the treadmill desk, or figure out how to make one, and all my problems would be solved. The only thing is--I don't think I'm that coordinated.

Are you brainstorming and working out the kinks by exercising?

If you have the laptop treadmill, let me know how you like it?

Have a great weekend!

Workout Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

Yep, the middle of the week. Right in the middle. No closer to the end than the beginning. This week hasn't been the most productive. I'm hoping I get an awesome editing session in today. My freeze is starting to thaw a tiny bit so I'm hoping I can get into the groove and kick some butt. I'm also hoping my book reading speeds up. It seems like when one thing slows down, another picks up. It happens with everything. Focus on kids--the house is dirty. You know how it goes. I've also been watching a little more TV.
The shows I've been following:

1. Storage Wars

2. Grimm

3. Once Upon A Time

4. Ghost Hunters

5. Bones

A mixed bag. It's hard for me to pick up a new show, though. I started to watch Lost Girl on Syfy and have been told to check out Being Human. The problem is-- I compare shows I used to love to these newbies.

Ahh my favorite vamps. Plus, David Boreanaz is a local celeb.

Buffy and Angel were my favorites. *sigh* Really, JossWhedon = genius (George Lucas falls into this category too). The funny thing is--I loved them so much I wrote a new character for the series, Angel (2 journals full). I even dreamt that I'd send my character to Joss Whedon and he'd love it so much, he'd put it
into the show. It was only a dream because my self-confidence was minus zero so nothing happened there, but a great writing exercise came out of it.

What is it, you ask? Develop a whole new character for a show you love and write them in, maybe make new stories/episodes. It works for movies too. I've done it many times. You can play with emotion, senses, actions, dialogue, etc. You learn to write a character with characters you are familiar with. Plus, it's fun. You can even imagine it's you and write how you would interact with the characters on your favorite show. I've never tried it with a reality show, though.
So, have you tried writing a new character for your favorite TV show? Any favorite writing exercises you'd like to share?

In the news: Go here to learn more about an opportunity for a query critique from Elana Johnson. Yes, the Elana Johnson. There's this big event NiNoCon going on February 4th. Elana will be talking about writing a killer query and a few folks will be able to get a critique by this lovely lady.

Have a great day!

Trying to thaw a deep freeze

2012-01-23T06:57:00.000-05:00

So glad I'm not physically in that cave. *shivers*

Lately I've been having one of those deep freezes take hold of my brain. You know the ones where you can feel what you're writing. It's like something or someone removed a chunk of my brain. I know I've had them before and they scare the flippin' daylights out of me, and I'm starting to figure out why they happen to me.

Every time I learn something new or work on a 'technical' aspect of writing, it seems to freeze all creativity. It grabs hold of comfort and joy of writing and stuffs it into a bag that's black. I have so many new ideas (I can see vividly) and so much I need to do on the manuscript I want to query, but I freeze and that part of me trembles and curls into a corner. I want to feel it again. That love. That freeness. I know it will come back. It has to--to fill the void it's leaving. And I finally figured out why it's happening this time.

Remember my grammar post? Yeah, my weakness of grammar is holding that euphoric feeling captive. My fingers start then I stop in fear that it will be horrible. When I'm being technical, things don't flow. It's so scary because I miss that feeling when everything just pours out without thinking. I know I'm growing and my writing is getting stronger, but it just feels uncomfortable. Even in my posts--I'm afraid I missed something important and it's making me look stupid. It makes my writing rigid.

I've tried other things--taking a break, reading, free writing--all of it still leaves me frustrated and scared. This is one of those dips in the roller coaster ride. You know, where you're screaming your head off trying to make sense of which direction the coaster will go next. Where your stomach is in your throat and you can't let go because you might fly out of your seat. Yep, that feeling. It leaves a shiver.

The question is--How do you thaw out the frozen part of your brain? You're trying to learn, grow and strengthen, yet all the rules make you analyze and over think, stopping anything creative to flow. How can you recapture that feeling of being free?

Have a great day!

Test the waters

2012-01-20T06:53:00.000-05:00

Getting critiqued can be scary. The idea of someone reading what you (heart and soul) wrote may give you nightmares of blood red ink scratched across each page with comments of how to fix this and that, along with what you need to learn in the margins. Embarrassment, hurt, saddness can take hold and a tear may fall. You open your eyes. It was a nightmare. A big sense of relief, but at some point, you have to share your work. Why? To grow. To strengthen. You need to know what is wrong to fix it.

For some, it's easy. For others, not so much. For me, I wanted lots of people to read my stuff and tell me what I needed to do. It doesn't mean I wasn't chewing my nails or eating a load of chocolate everytime I sent it, or I didn't fall hard when I got some of them back. I did and I still do. You learn how to deal and tolerate it in some way. But I realized the only way for me to learn is to 'see' what I'm doing wrong.

Where do you start? There are many places to begin.

1. Ask a fellow blogger or writer you trust. It's a start. Send something small if you want to test the waters.

2. If you are feeling brave try one of these ultra helpful sites. Both take only small snippits of your work and give some great feedback. Plus, you can remain anonymous. Easy peasy.

Christina Lee and Stina Lindenblatt's First Words Workshop

Dianne Salerni and Marcy's (Mainwords) First Impressions

3. If you're really brave try something more. There are forums where you can load more of your work for feedback.

YALitChat-For young adult

Figment

Authonomy

Miss Snarks's First Victim

It's not easy. No one said it was. Testing the waters is just another step in becoming a better writer.

Have you tested the waters?

If you want to share any other tips or sites, please share in the comments below.
Have a great day!

Winner of the signed CRACKED giveaway

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I have a winner. Thanks to the handy random.org for making the decision. And the winner is:

*Michael Offutt*

Congratulations! Send me an email (cdanek13(at)gmail(dot)com) with your mailing address and I will send it out to you.

Congrats again! Have a great day!

Conquer the weakness

2012-01-16T08:35:00.001-05:00

First, don't forget to enter to win a signed copy of CRACKED by K. M. Walton. Go here to enter. I will announce the winner tomorrow.

On with the post (Sorry if there are mistakes, I'm super sick):

It has taken me years to face my weakness. It's not easy and I'm still embarrassed by it. I finally decided that I need to confront it. I need to in order to grow. It's actually holding me back. I'm not talking about chocolate or a super hottie.What is it? Grammar. I stink at it. It's embarrassing to admit, in fact, I'm ashamed, but I need to overcome. I must work my butt off to perfect it.

Now, I'm sure a lot of you are laughing. Fine. Maybe teasing. Whatever. Or saying to yourself, "She calls herself a writer?" I get it. But I'm sure you have a weakness too. That's why I'm pushing through, because no matter what others think of me, I know in my heart I'll get there. I will get an agent, I may be 80, but I will. I will get published, again I may be like 100, but I will. Why? Because I'm willing to work. I'm willing to learn and grow and help others.

So I asked some friends what self help books they'd recommend. Thanks to Stina Lindenblatt, Lydia Kang, and Theresa Milstein for their suggestions.

The recommendations:

IT WAS THE BEST OF SENTENCES. IT WAS THE WORST OF SENTENCES. by June Casagrande

WHEN YOU CATCH AN ADJECTIVE, KILL IT by Ben Yagoda

SIN AND SYNTAX by Constance Hale

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MISPLACED MODIFIER by Bonnie Trenga.

A DASH OF STYLE: THE ART AND MASTERY OF PUNCTUATION by Noah Lukeman

STRUNK AND WHITE. THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by by William Strunk, E. B. White and Roger Angell

Web sites that may help:

Grammar Girl-- Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Crystal Clear Proofing

Justine Dell- Check out her grammar police posts.

I'm sorry if I've forgotten any websites (remember I'm super sick). Please add your link or your favorite link in the comments and I will put it in the post.

Also, what are your favorite self help books on grammar?

Have a great day!

The "Q" word.

2012-01-13T06:51:00.001-05:00

This is what it may feel like when writing a query. All levels--do I go up? down? change this? do what?Where do I go? One step at a time.

I'm not talking quitter. I'm talking query. Ahh... the query. Just the sight of the word makes many folks want to curl up in a ball or go hide in a cave of darkness, maybe even attempt cliff diving instead of writing it. You can see it on fellow writers' faces right when you say "que", their noses scrunch up and their eyes squint like they've eaten a lemon (unless they have no idea what you're talking about, in that case, they just give you the distant stare).

A page that is what your whole story is about. It must have voice, important info, sass, must be eye catching, I could go on. All of it in one little package. It's the first impression. Yeah, talk about pressure. The logline or pitch is less than 40 words and must be catchy enough for an agent to want to read it. The crazy part (just like everything else) it's subjective (not all agents read the whole thing either). Of course, there are some rules, or should I say, guidelines, but all in all, you're putting it out to gain an agent's love.

Really, it's like your ticket to the ride of a lifetime. Okay, calm down. Breathe. Eat some chocolate or get a drink. Whatever soothes you. I'm not writing this to scare you. It's something we all must face. I, of course, am not there, well I've written them, but have not sent any out. Last night, I started to freak out a little after reading my query and researching agents. I wanted to print it out and crumble it into a ball, thinking for a second to light it on fire as I look at a flameless candle (little freak out crazies, no biggie). Yeah, the thought of "it's never going to happen" made an appearance and I may have posted my fear on FB. Then I calmed down. Turned my mindset to growth and calmly tuned it out. Nothing will happen if I don't try. Will there be rejections? Yep. Disappointment? Probably. But there is always hope. To try again and NEVER give up.

So, I thought I would share some links that may help. Believe me, there's lots of support and info out there.

YA Author, Elana Johnson. Her book From the Query to the Call is free go here to get it.

QueryTracker. net. Helps you find agents and publishers and tracks your process. I was on there last night for a few hours researching and getting a little scared. :)

More info on writing the query:

Fiction Notes: http://www.darcypattison.com/marketing/ultimate-query-letter/

Writer's Relief-Has tips on what not to put in your query.

Needs some feedback. Go to these sites:

Matthew MacNish --The QQQE--Can't even begin to tell you how helpful his feedback is.

Query Shark-- A place to go for feedback

Evil Editor--Another place to go for feedback.

Casey McCormick--For feedback and other advice.

There you go. Now go and get started on that query. I'm still working on mine. If you have any other sites that you love for queries. Let me know.

Have a great day!

Get inspired

2012-01-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

The new year. New expectations. New goals. It's funny how every year we set up big plans on January 1st. To me it gets overwhelming. Once I set these so called "goals" I sit back and think. Can I really do all of it? Sure that's the insecure nugget in me. Even though a huge part of me is uber confident and ready to take on the world. This overwhelming feeling leads to limited creativity. It's scary and uncomfortable. So, how do you get through it? How do you clear the fog that is slowing drifting over your land of imagination.

Here are a some thoughts:

1. Write it all down. Take a few items at a time and sit them front of you. Keep only a few at a time in view. Once something is done, cross it off then add more.

2. Set a schedule. Yep, I know the most difficult thing in the world. I know for me it isn't easy but I do it. I have to or nothing will get done. For me, when the kids are at school, it's time to write. This may take a while to figure out and I would suggest to try different options. Be prepared to move things around if need be. The point-- be flexible.

3. Exercise. This goes along with schedule. Fit it in now and it will become a part of this routine. Healthy body = healthy brain. Don't forget to eat right. Although, chocolate now and again is totally fine. Really, it's a food group. Shhh. It's a secret food group.

4. Read. Helps you grow and inspire.

5. Critique. Read over someone else's work. It will help the writing muscle and you may learn something or teach someone something they didn't know.

6. Music. This is what I'm waiting for. Some new music to totally pull me into my ideas that are just sitting. To take them to the next level and make them a full blown novel.

7. Go to a new place. You don't have to take a full blown trip to Australia (although that would be fun). Walk out your front door. Now watch the animals, people, smell the air, feel the ground. Write down what you saw, in full detail. You'd be surprised what may develop.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Plus, I know I've posted some similar before. I want to sit and it all come to me. I love those moments of clarity when I'm sucked into the world I create, but sometimes if you wait too long you may miss something else. It requires work just like everything else even if you're taking a break.

How do you get inspired in the new year?

Don't forget Monday is the last day to enter my CRACKED giveaway. Go here to enter. I also added the blurb to the post.

Have a great day!

CRACKED launch party!!

2012-01-09T08:22:00.002-05:00

I've got a few (maybe a little more) photos from the CRACKED launch party. Of course it was awesome. Kate is the most down to earth and optimistic gal I know. She's an inspiration and an amazing author (if you don't have the book already, go get it).

First, I stink at photos of people. I really do. I'm better with photos of inanimate objects (think buildings). So sorry. I'm also a blabber mouth so I wind up talking over taking photos.
Second, this was so much fun. Chester County Books and Music was packed (I think 300 folks showed up) to see Kate speak and sign. It was great to see so many familiar faces.

Some local authors that attended: A.S. King, Beth Kephart, Amy Garvey, Amy Holder, Dianne Salerni.

Of course, the PLN folks were there. Frankie Diane Mallis, Simon Larter, Jessica Corra, Donna Gamble, Sara De Sabato, Paul Joseph, Kelly Lyman, Ilene Wong, Kevin Sheridan, Lillie, Jenna, Shveta Thakrar, K. A. Magrowski, Joanne Fritz. I hope I didn't forget anyone. (If I don't have your link, please let me know and I'll add it.)

On with the photos:

How cool is that cake?

Kelly Lyman and Paul Joseph

The crowd.

The scene: Joanne Fritz starting off the night. Kate even had favors. See the bags on the table.

Joanne Fritz

Big smiles from K. M. Walton.

Frankie, Jenna, Simon (partially hidden) and Kelly

Frankie taking a picture of me, taking a picture of her, and Jenna.

Frankie Diane Mallis, Simon Larter and Donna Gamble

Kelly taking a picture of me and Amy Garvey

Frankie has way more pictures and an interesting vlog, so go check it out. Also check out the other folks' links (above) for more photos and interesting posts.

Don't forget, I'm giving away a signed copy of CRACKED. Go here to enter.

Have a great day!

Fashion and book signing

2012-01-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

Fashion. I like it. I'm not the best at it, but I know what I like when I see it and sometimes it's totally out of my price range. In high school and college, black was my favorite color of choice in clothing and something that no one else wore topped my list. Nowadays, jeans and a sweater are a daily combo. When I do go out, I have a couple of "outfits of choice" that I like to put on. But now I have a dilemma--a book signing event/extravaganza. Yep, the K. M. Walton CRACKED book signing at Chester County Book and Music Co. in West Chester, Pa. (I know that sounded like an ad, right? :) Hey, I like to promote things.)

Now, I've been to book signings. Sometimes I know the author, sometimes I don't, and my outfits usually involve jeans and a dressy top. This book signing is different.

1. It's for a friend.

2. It's more of a release party/book signing. Big time celebration.

3. Frankie Diane Mallis will be there. That means camera, people, and maybe a possible vlog. Sure, I will bring mine, but I'd be taking the photos (I'm not in the picture). When Frankie has a camera, well, lots of photos happen and somehow I get in them. I'm not camera shy, I just want to look put together. Plus, this gal is a fashionista. Have you seen her cool Tumblr page?

So, the question is --what to wear? Dressy casual? Casual? And, no, I'm not wearing a gown. There is no red carpet or is there? I must double check on that. What would you wear?

I will have pictures to share on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group--New outlook

2012-01-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

First, don't forget to enter my giveaway for CRACKED by K.M. Walton. Ends January 16th. Go here to enter.

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for putting together the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Please go here to check out the other folks who take part.

If you read my post Saturday, you got a preview of what I will be briefly posting about today. Our outlook, how we see things, our perspective. It can be a big factor in our progress. Trust me, I know. For years, I've seen things in a negative light. I'd always think the world was against me or I'm not good enough no matter how much I'd learn. This is wrong. I know it. Last year, my way of thinking set me back. I let the success of others determine my success/worthiness and I wanted my dreams to happen now. The fact is--it doesn't work that way. Stupid, I know.

It wasn't until a friend (thanks Kate) told me that I had to look at things differently. I had to see how to get to where I want to be by taking on and loving challenges, and learning new things. Failure doesn't mean your worthless, it means your growing. Learn from your mistakes and grow. She recommended a book called MINDSET: THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS by Carol Dweck. I picked up a copy and started to read. Within the first few pages, my eyes opened and I slapped myself on the head. All these years, I've been holding myself back by simply relying on my fixed mindset. If it didn't come to me easy, I was hesitant to try, and if I failed, then I was worthless and stupid.

Now, after reading more of the book, I use what the author calls a growth mindset. I, for the first time in my life, have been smiling when a challenge is presented and realize how much I love to write and how much I want to grow and learn to make each of my stories better. I will get to where I want to be with a outlook on growing and being positive. Of course, this new mindset doesn't only apply to my writing, it applies to everything in my life. From being a wife/mother/friend to my other job as an interior designer. It applies to everything. It seems like once you change your outlook for one piece of your life, all the other pieces come into view and change. It a nice way to see things, it's refreshing. Of course, there will be bad days. Hey, nobody's perfect.

So how is your mindset?

I will be posting some great links over on my sidebar so stay tuned.

Have a great day!

Release Day for CRACKED by K.M. Walton and Giveaway

2012-01-03T07:55:00.001-05:00

Happy release day to CRACKED. It's out!! Yep, I've been talking about this one since the summer when I was lucky enough to read a copy. I would write a review, but I would only gush and tell you to go and get it. K.M. (Kate) Walton is not only a talented author, but an amazing person. I can't thank her enough for what she has taught me, not only in writing, but about life. Thanks Kate!

So, I will be giving away one signed copy of this little number to one lucky person. All you have to do is promote it. I'm keeping this simple. Promote this contest any way you can (keep it legal) and let me know what you do in the comments below, and you're entered. I will be using random.org to choose the winner on January 17. That means you have from now until the 16th to enter.

The blurb:
Sometimes there's no easy way out.

Victor hates his life. He has no friends, gets beaten up at school, and his parents are always criticizing him. Tired of feeling miserable, Victor takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills—only to wake up in the hospital.

Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. That makes him feel better, at least a little. But it doesn't stop Bull's grandfather from getting drunk and hitting him. So Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, there's no way to escape each other or their problems. Which means things are going to get worse—much worse—before they get better…
If you haven't been to Kate's blog or website go check them out.

Also, thanks to Frankie for a great blogfest yesterday. If you haven't checked out the entries--go now (after you enter my giveaway). I'm still catching up on reading them, and let me tell you, they are awesome. Thanks Frankie!

Have a great day!!

Frankie's 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest

2012-01-02T08:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the lovely and talented Frankie for hosting the 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest. Go check out her blog for the other participants. Below is my excerpt. Let me just say, I had another piece ready to go and this popped into my head. Sorry for the length. I got a vision and wrote it so it may require more work. Enough blabbing. *cringing* *holding my breath* Here it is:

I’m trying to focus on the dark road ahead searching for a sign of life. Unfortunately, we broke down on the most isolated road in the universe. Thanks to my less than worthy boyfriend, Alex, who I’m hoping is feeling the wrath of the eight beers he chugged in an hour chasing it with five shots of vodka, left me, as usual, on my own to get home.

“I’m sorry Gwen. My car is such a piece of crap.” Geoff rubs his temple and holds up his cell. The little bar in the corner of the screen still reads no service.

“Let it go. Someone’s bound to drive by and we’ll be saved.” I tap his arm with my elbow, keeping things light. “Maybe we should’ve stayed with the car. It might’ve been warmer.”

He clears his throat and pulls his zipper up to his neck. “I think there’s a gas station somewhere up here.” His words shake, making me wonder if he’s cold or nervous. I glance over. The moonlight casts a white glow around the top of his hoodie. He looks behind him then ahead of us.

“Are you okay?” He’s now making me nervous because nothing ever bothers Geoff. In the six years I’ve known him; he’s calm, quiet, and brushes off confrontation with ease. When we’d hang out in Crooked Tree Forest before I met Alex, he was the one who calmed me down, telling me fear is only a product of our minds.

A wet drop slides down my cheek, then another hits my head. Rain. Fabulous. In a matter of seconds, rain pours down like someone turned on a faucet full blast. Geoff tugs my arm and we run. He points to something up ahead. I focus between the raindrops and darkness. A silhouette of a building comes into view, but its dark, no light means unoccupied. He pushes the door open and we rush inside. Dust and mold smell takes over the rain hitting asphalt. I cough and push my wet hair from my face.

“I guess the gas station went out of business.” I chatter trying not to fall as each step I take crunches on broken glass and trash. “Geoff? Where are you?” I search the darkness.

“Right here.” His reluctant voice comes from my right as his hand slips into mine. A warm rush twists in my chest and travels to my stomach. “You’re cold.” His breath grazes my cheek, leaving a tingle flow down my neck.

“A little,” I whisper. My heart thumps in my chest. We’ve had these moments before. Those little ones where you let a feeling go beyond where it should be. Nothing ever happens, we get caught up in one of those stares that leave me with a warm giddy feeling and wondering what would happen if we kissed. Then I think of Alex and pull away, but tonight feels a little different. Geoff seems different. The air around him is sending a mixture of nerves, warmth, and confidence.

The spice his shampoo radiates between us and his lips brush the tip of my nose. His arm slips around me, drawing me into him, making my brain go silent. I can’t think of what to do. There’s nothing but short breaths and electric tension creating fiery goose bumps to rise on my skin. I can’t see him, but every touch is amplified. His fingers trace my face and his lips barely sweep mine. I melt into him, waiting for our lips to fully touch to take my whole heart, leaving any feeling of Alex behind.

A whistle and a rumble come from above along with a high pitched sucking noise. Geoff's fingers squeeze me tighter. The roof blows off and rain pelts my face as I watch Geoff fly up to the sky.

*letting out my breath* There it is. Hope I didn't bore you. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for giveaway info tomorrow. Now go check out the other awesome entries.

Have a great day!

Rekindle the Fire and Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:49:00.000-05:00

I'm back. Okay, I don't normally post on a Saturday, but I have good stuff coming up Monday and Tuesday so I thought I give a quick blurb today.

First, Happy New Year!

Now, I plan to be doing a lot more writerly posts this year and I thought this may be one others can relate to. I'm ready to say goodbye to 2011. I did learn a lot, but the one thing that is truely sticking out is that I need to re-light my love for writing. It seems my quest for getting an agent and book deal has become more of an obsession than a search. Not that I'm quitting the quest or writing. It just seems that the excited love I used to feel has smoldered a little, faded slightly. I know it's not easy when the others around you are getting agents and book deals or are in the position you want to be.

So, how do you fix it? That is something I've been trying to figure out all year. This past week I started reading things I've written a while back. Other stories that I started, thinking that they weren't good enough or I lost interest because my focus switched to getting an agent. The fact is--I love those stories, and those characters. I want to immerse myself back into them. I think taking a break, re-focusing on what is important in your writing, and reading some things you've hidden away clears the smoke that covers the love, making you see what made you write in the first place.

What's next? I still plan to query, early in the year (after the betas read it). The thing is I'm looking at it differently. Not with the fiery eyes of obsession, but with the acceptance that it is a step in my journey. A step of learning and growing. I also can't wait to get back into writing my other stories.

What's coming up:

Monday, I will participating in Frankie's 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest. I better get writing. :)

Tuesday, Giveaway announcement for this lovely number.

I will also be doing a series on what I've learned with some great links so stay tuned. So that was short and quick cause the kids are fighting. Argh.

Happy New Year!! Any plans?
Stay Safe!!

Fun Facts Friday (Holiday Edition)

2011-12-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

Yep, the season is in full swing. I haven't written much, but I'm filling up with a ton of ideas. I'm also "seeing" my sentence structure issues in certain spots of my manuscript. Exciting. So, that means I'm taking a hiatus. I'll be back after the new year. One, family time. Two, putting finishing touches on the manuscript (double checking things).

I decided to do a holiday edition. Feel free to answer these questions on your blog too.

Favorite ways to say Merry Christmas other than English-- Frohliche Weihnachten and Mele Kalikimaka.

Favorite Christmas song: Okay, other than the classics. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon.

Favorite Christmas TV show: Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer.

Favorite Christmas Movie: This is tough. I love the classics, but I have a thing for Elf.

How is your tree decorated? Eclectic. I have pretty ornaments, kid ornaments, and Star Wars ornaments. Yes, you heard me.

Best Christmas Memory: Six years ago. Even though I was a emotional mess of being a first time mom, I'll never forget my grandmother's eyes when she saw her new great granddaughter. I miss you mom-mom.

So there you have it. Short and sweet. A couple of things to mark on your calender.

1. Frankie's 3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest January 2nd. Be there.

2. This little number (see below) by K.M. Walton will be released on January 3rd.

Pre-order it or go to local bookstore and get it. On January 3rd. CRACKED. January 3rd. CRACKED. Got it in your head. Mark it on your calenders. Don't forget. I will have some giveaways with this one. :)

Feel free to add your holiday favorites below. I wish everyone a happy holiday. Enjoy. I can't wait to return with a fresh brain ready to tackle 2012.

Happy Holidays!!

Monday Mumbles

2011-12-12T07:28:00.001-05:00

Grab your favorite wake up beverage and kick back. Yep, I'm still here. I know I've been M.I.A. but I haven't forgotten about you. It's that time of year so things get a little more hectic than usual. I'm not only buying and wrapping up presents, I'm also wrapping up clients (not literally). I've been thinking about the blog and how to freshen it up. I realize that it seems to have strayed off the path I intended. Yes, I did intend to discuss my journey (hence the name), but I think I want to try to focus on being more helpful. Writing posts that inform more about writing than about my woes. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the support and will need it from time to time. It's just something I'm aiming for in the new year.

I usually discuss this closer to the new year, but I've decided to write about it today. What I've learned this year. That's easy lots and lots. I considered this year my sophomore year so here's what stuck out besides the usual show not tell.

1.The big thing--how to take a crit. I know I should've learned this last year but I'm getting better at sorting through feedback and knowing what needs to be fixed and what is opinion.

2. No matter how much you revise, you can do more. At least, that what it seems like. Amp it up is one of the many things. I will be discussing this in a future post.

3. I have the best support group in the world. Okay, I knew this last year, but it's even more evident this year.

4. I've learned more about queries than I ever thought possible and I'm not done yet. The darn thing will get there, I'm sure of it. The hope is to query early in the year.

5. Even though I feel like the oddball, the weird one or just the one who doesn't fit in, I will get there at my own pace. I'm a writer. It may be frustrating, but I know I will not stop till I get there.

6. Realize I still have a long way to go. I'm not that awesome (not that I thought I was awesome in the first place). I've learned how to be a better writer. I see how to write a novel differently. It doesn't mean I'm not giving up my panster style yet. It's just how I write. That probably makes no sense. I'd better go and grab some hot chocolate.

So what did you learn this year?

Stay tuned on my blog for some giveaways--yep they're coming. :)

Have a great day!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

2011-12-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Alex for putting this all together. Go check out the other bloggers who participate.

I don't have much today other than my fear of empty brain. With all that is going on, I have no words. I feel like a shell just walking around. Someone who is screaming, but no one can hear. I don't know. It's weird. I want to move along continue with my usual schedule, but so many things are getting in the way. I'm trying to finish up (10 pages to go) the last round of revisions so I can have a clear head to write something else. Argh. I guess I'm just frustrated because I want to keep moving, and yet again, things keep getting in the way. *taking a deep breath* I'm keeping a positive outlook the best way I know how, but you know how things can be. I will get there I know. *goes and eats some chocolate*

How is your progress?

Any news?

Have a great day!

Multiple backups

2011-12-02T07:18:00.000-05:00

Get on over to Frankie's blog and sign up for the 3rd annual No Kiss Blogfest. I'm such a sucker for no kiss scenes. Such a tease. It's on January 2nd. Now if I could get my brain to work to come up with something.

This is how I felt when the virus hit and also how I feel trying to write something new. Funny how the looks go hand and hand.

Last week my computer got hit with a virus. Yeah, completely scary. It was a Malware thing. I'm no tech-head gal so my terms are not legit. It basically froze my computer, flashing a lot of red and saying it could only fix six things and if I want the other eight fixed I had to pay $84.95. Um, no. So I called a friend (who is a savior) to help me through it. We got the computer back up and running. I was saved or so I thought. Yes, my computer worked but when I went to cue up my doc files. Nothing. All my files gone.

How do you think I felt? Yep, heart melted and an ache pulsed around my eyes traveling to my forehead. But wait, I have an external drive that I back everything up, but I was backing up my files when this virus hit so when I went to search on the external there was nothing. I hear your silence and maybe a gasp. Yeah, I was freaking out. All the pictures of my kids, other info, and all my writing files--gone. Poof. Like it never existed. (Oh story idea--sorry this sometimes happens to me when I encounter scary situations.)

After composing myself (it took a little bit of cursing and tears), I opened Word and went to my recent files. About 12 things showed up and I could open all of them. The hubs told me it's there, it has to be. So after we both did some research, it turned out the virus hid all my files, and since I was backing up at the time, it hid all those files too. Needless to say, I've found everything and lesson learned. Have more than one back up. It also made me realize how much work I've done and how much it means to me. Yes, I knew this before, but I felt so helpless when it was gone almost like a part of me was stolen. It amazes me how words can mean so much.

How many backups do you have?

Have a great weekend!

Mentally prepping

2011-11-30T07:23:00.001-05:00

You that time when you are about to embark on something that scares the crap out of you. You mentally prepare yourself to take the next step. Some of you may just jump in and that's awesome. I sometimes do, but if it involves my stomach to churn and my mind has time to think about it, I mentally prepare for the worst. I know what a negative way to think, but if something good happens then it's a pleasant surprise. I do have a better mindset then I did a month ago. Instead of dwelling on things, I'm accepting. If I can't change it, then don't worry about it.

Here's my deal. I'm getting to the point that I'm learning to accept that this manuscript may not the one that will get me an agent. Why? I don't know. I feel it. I see all these horror stories and am told your first manuscript never gets it. You need to learn, grow, strengthen, and write more novels (that's what I've read). I'm not giving up. I'm accepting reality. Am I going to query this? Absolutely, I'm going to query it. I've been working on it for 3 years. After this last go around to the betas, it's going out. I have to give it closure. It's dying and I have to bury it, let it go. I can't write anything else until this one is at rest and I can't just put it away in a drawer, I have to literally let it go.

I love this story and these characters and part of me thinks I'm the only one who does. That I keep holding on to some delusion that it's awesome. So there it is. I'll wipe my hands free of it the end of January. Let it go and let the big "R's" roll in. Okay, I know what some of you are saying, "Wait, you never know what can happen." I know, anything is possible, but I'm being realistic. I'm happy where I am. I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned on this manuscript. It's definitely improved a lot. I mean A LOT. I know what to apply to my future manuscripts. The next one is written it needs tweaking so maybe that one will be the one. I know I'm jumping the gun in my thoughts and I'm not sad or depressed, in fact, happy to know there will be closure. I will continue to grow and learn with another story.

I'm not giving up that would be crazy. I'm not giving in. I'm prepping my mind to move on. Get through this and keep going. I have so many other stories to tell, and until this one is gone, I can't continue. Now, if I can just stop worrying about what the betas will say. :)

Do you mentally prep for big leaps in your life?

Have a great day!

Thanksgiving vacation.

2011-11-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

I'm back. I took last week off to accomplish some revising, which didn't happen. Here are few things I learned while on vacation.

1. Nothing gets done when the kids are home (including writing). This does frustrate me, but I got to spend quality time. That means this week I will be using every minute of me time to write.

2. I need to lose 10 pounds. I have the weirdest desire to run. It's strange because I never liked to run before, but it's calling to me. Strange.

3. I saw Breaking Dawn Part 1. I liked some parts, the vamp make up was better and it did follow the book, but I wanted to red pen some parts. Some of it just dragged on and on. I wanted to punch something so something happened. Needless to say, I was a little frustrated with it.

I did enjoy seeing Jasper. :) Actually, I wanted more Jasper.

4. I went to my high school reunion. I'm not saying how many years. It's funny how some people change and some don't. It was fun though.

5. Every year at this time I wonder where I will be next year. So I wonder. . . .

How was your Thanksgiving?

How was your week last week?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-11-18T07:25:00.000-05:00

Whew. What a week. I did finish my major revisions and have decided, after some tightening, I will send it to the betas, then query. I have to get this out of my hair. I'm following my gut. So thanks for your support and encouragement. On with the facts.

1. I'm ready to see Breaking Dawn Part 1, but will probably wait till the crowds die down. If you've seen it, let me know what your thoughts are. I really wish they would get the makeup right on the vampires. Just sayin'.

2. I can't wait to see The Hunger Games. I think I want that to be showing right now. Holy cow, that trailer is awesome. Total goose bumps.

3. Getting into Grimm and Once Upon a Time. I think I see a trend starting. I wonder how many YA fairy tale books will be coming out?Although, Once Upon a Time is sort of frustrating. I don't know why. I'm actually just frustrated when I watch it, but I want to keep watching. Strange.

4. After watching Once Upon a Time (on DVR), I actually started thinking of a story I started a while back. The funny thing is it's not a fairy tale, it takes place in space, but the interaction of the characters on the show is what triggered my brain to revisit this idea. Oh boy, SNI is at work.

5. Go to K.M. Walton's blog for a super huge contest. If you know a film maker, or dabble in film making, you won't want to miss this. HUGE.

I'm taking next week off from blogging. I may be around to comment, but with Thanksgiving and going through my MS one last time, I need the time. Plus, let's face it, my posts have been less than stellar.

How was your week?

Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

The tunnel

2011-11-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

First, Tomorrow go over to K.M. Walton's blog. Something big will be happening. I don't know what it is, but it's big. That's all I know because Kate won't tell anyone just that it's big. Sometimes she such a tease. She's killing me with this. :)

My tunnel is longer than this one.

So, I feel like this tunnel I've been in forever is lasting forever. I do see a small light at the end, but it keeps getting farther and farther away. The tunnel keeps growing and the light is getting dimmer. I'm almost done a major overhaul and now I'm scared that there will be more. It's a big fear. I've been consumed in this manuscript for 2 years. Yes, it's my first, but I can't let it go until I'm satisfied. I've tried working on other stuff (even writing another novel), but I can't get my mind off of this one until it's complete. I don't know why.

I know the odds for this one are slim, especially because it's my first one. Everyone tells me your first novel is always the one that's practice. It seems like everyone tucks it away in a drawer for no one to ever see. Then why am I so determined? Why am I pushing this so hard? I should just chalk it up to this was my first.

I guess, I'm so close to being satisfied (until my betas read it and tell me no), that I can taste the red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing sitting on a table at the end of this tunnel (I know that made no sense, but I love red velvet cupcakes). I have the query (needs to be tweaked), the synopsis, and this manuscript (need to finish tweaking), so why do I keep questioning?

I know I won't stop, but that feeling of this-will-be-a-long-road keeps poking my brain. That's my crazy story today. I'm pushing through, getting to that cupcake even if it takes me a while. I just hope it's not stale when I get there.

How's your progress?

How do you know when to give up on a project?

Have a great day!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (total book love)

2011-11-14T06:58:00.000-05:00

Title: Daugher of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Pages: 432 pages

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

The blurb:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My take:

Really, there isn't much to say. I have so much love for this book, I'm giddy, and I have writer envy--yep, totally. I'm so not worthy to be a writer. This book made me speechless. I'm sure my face looked like a deer in headlights that ate the best chocolate ever. I know, weird right? Yeah, it was that good. Parts of me didn't know what to feel but it felt so good at the same time. I can't even begin to tell you about this book. So, I'm not going into detail here. It's YA (but could cross genres to me) and dark and lovely and sexy and...

You have to read it for yourself. Yeah. Basically, what I'm telling you is to get out and get this, now, or if you have an e-reader turn it on and order it, clear your calender, and read this. You won't regret it. I highly recommend this and hope to meet Laini Taylor one day (I'm not a stalker).

Have you read this book? Please share your thoughts?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday and some Linkage

2011-11-11T07:07:00.001-05:00

This week is another blur. My personal deadline is coming quick and I've learned I can't sit on the couch and try and work. Comfy couch= sleep not productivity.

1. I can't believe Thanksgiving is 2 weeks away.

2. My lunch yesterday didn't look as good as it did on the box.

3. I actually made my brain mushy with my revisions. It pretty much went on strike yesterday. I guess that means I needed to give it a rest. The rest of me is trying so hard to settle my brain's demands so it will start working again. Please brain work, we're almost there.

4. Celebrate the launch of BECOME by Ali Cross, BOUND by Christine Bryant and EXILED by RaShelle Workman. A virtual launch party takes place to day at 11:00 on Twitter #darkcarma and Facebook and on all their blogs.

5. Another great celebration for Jessica Bell-- STRING BRIDGE chart rush. Linkage below.

eBook:Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6

Paperback:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/String-Bridge-Jessica-Bell/dp/0984631747

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-Jessica-Bell/dp/0984631747/

How was your week?

Have a great weekend!

String Bridge by Jessica Bell

2011-11-09T06:50:00.000-05:00

Title: String Bridge

Author: Jessica Bell

Pages: 279

Publisher: Lucky Press

Blurb:

"Greek cuisine, smog and domestic drudgery was not the life Australian musician, Melody, was expecting when she married a Greek music promoter and settled in Athens, Greece. Keen to play in her new shoes, though, Melody trades her guitar for a 'proper' career and her music for motherhood. That is, until she can bear it no longer and plots a return to the stage—and the person she used to be. However, the obstacles she faces along the way are nothing compared to the tragedy that awaits, and she realizes she's been seeking fulfilment in the wrong place."

My take:

I really enjoyed this book. It is adult, which I dabble in from time to time. Jessica's writing is beautiful. She paints vivid pictures with her words, and let me say, my emotional strings were pulled in every direction. I can relate to Melody. No, I'm not a musician, but it's her conflicted life that had me teary eyed and smiling. She gives up her one passion to live a 'proper' life. Something I think many of us can relate to. Many of us balance lots of things, and our paths are not always what we imagine, but our passion keeps calling us and sometimes we long for it (which hurts). This is one of those books that keeps you thinking about choices and how we are not alone with these challenges. I'm still thinking about this book and how Melody felt through each decision (I know I've felt them in real life). I would recommend checking out STRING BRIDGE, you'll keep this one in your heart.

Purchase links:

eBook

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319369262&sr=1-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-ebook/dp/B005Y48DF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319370801&sr=8-1

Paperback:

Amazon.com: (Coming soon)

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/String-Bridge-Jessica-Bell/dp/0984631747/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/string-bridge-jessica-bell/1030101696

Soundtrack:

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=465313522

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7ARNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317118328&sr=8-1

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Melody-Hill-Other-Side/dp/B005P7G02A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317118484&sr=8-1

Linkage:

String Bridge Website: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11502954-string-bridge

String Bridge Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv-hRMA0kqQ
String Bridge Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/janicephelps/8155170
website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
retreat & workshop site: http://hwrw.blogspot.com/

Bio:

Jessica Bell is a literary women's fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter who grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to two gothic rock musicians who had successful independent careers during the '80s and early '90s.

She spent much of her childhood travelling to and from Australia to Europe, experiencing two entirely different worlds, yet feeling equally at home in both environments. She currently lives in Athens, Greece and works as a freelance writer/editor for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as HarperCollins, Pearson Education and Macmillan Education.

In addition to String Bridge, Jessica has published a book of poetry called Twisted Velvet Chains. A full list of poems and short stories published in various anthologies and literary magazines can be found under Published Works & Awards, on her website.

From September 2012 Jessica will be hosting the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca, home of Odysseus.

Laughing at challenges

2011-11-07T07:19:00.000-05:00

I know, weird, right? Laughing at a challenge, me. I used to run or hide in a corner, complain and whine. Not anymore. I realize challenge is learning. I obviously learn slowly because many of you are probably saying, duh, we do this already. Hey, give me some credit here sometimes my brain is thick and stubborn. It's been a long road to this point, and as I look down the road ahead, it's longer, but I know (how, I don't know) that one day it ~~can~~ will happen. I just have to take the good with the bad and tackle those challenges head on with a smile. Oh and lots of chocolate helps.

Faces any challenges?

How do you tackle them?

Keepin' it short today. Go check out Joanne Fritz's giveaway's. A.S. King's EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS and Richard Peck's SECRETS AT SEA. Both are hardback and signed. Ends November 9th.

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-11-04T07:18:00.001-04:00

So I'm making this another quick one. Why? Many of you are doing NaNo so who wants to hear me, and that whole revision thing that I can't seem to finish.

1. Go and congratulate Kate Walton. She has sold her second book. Go give her hugs, hearts, maybe a happy dance. You go Kate!

2. I've eaten a ton of chocolate this week and still want more. Problem? maybe.

3. Go give Lydia Kang congrats. Her YA Sci-fi, THE FOUNTAIN, will be released in 2013. Go Lydia!

4. Watched GRIMM last week. I have to say I'm interested. Of course, David Greenwalt has something to with that (remember ANGEL?). I do think some things have to be worked out, but I'll keep watching. For now.

5. Totally in love with the new Blink-182 album (cd? I don't think they are called albums anymore). I so heart this band (okay, been in love with them for a long time--years). I just can't listen to it when the kids are around. :)

That's it. Any news? Any new shows you like? Any new music you are hearting?

Have a great weekend!

Insecure Writers Support Group and a Cold Kiss

2011-11-02T07:10:00.000-04:00

So today is insecure day. Well, a lot of days are insecure days for me. Anyway, go on over to Alex's blog to see the participants. Thanks Alex for hosting this.

I'll make this short because you know my story and I need to get back to the dreaded "R" word. Revision. I feel like I've been doing that for over 2 years, but right now I'm feeling good. I've cut some scenes (I'm a little sad) and added more (that are awesome). I guess you could say I'm feeling pretty good about them ~~until I get it beta read again and my readers tell me to do more~~. I have a direction and *fingers crossed* everything falls into place to query by the new year. See I have a happy face.

Isn't that a pretty cover? It shimmers too.

On a different note, I met Amy Garvey last night. Her book, COLD KISS, was released in September. It was loads of fun and she's quite the awesome. Check out Frankie's blog for photos. I always forget my camera. Another reason to get an iPhone.

Good luck to everyone doing NaNo. How's everyone's progress?

Have a great day!

Boo!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm in this revision cave so this will be short. It's halloween. My kids are on a constant sugar high and my mind is just on one thing. You know what that is. I know you're bored of me talking about it. So, I will leave you with spooky halloween photos and one question. I'm going back into my little hole, taking some Reese's cups and Hershey bars.

What's your favorite candy?
Stay spooky and Happy Halloween!

It's amazing what music can do.

2011-10-27T07:35:00.002-04:00

Music can set off a feeling, influence a mood or inspire an idea. You know it when you watch a movie, TV show, etc. If you turn down the music sometimes the whole scene can fall flat. It really doesn't feel the same. Music, as you know, is a huge inspiration to me. Almost all my ideas are sparked by a song. It just happens.

Music can also calm and heal. I believe it. Let me tell you why. A good friend of mine believes that every time she's down, or she's discouraged the song "Lightning Crashes" by Live will play. She's convinced. At first, I was like, yeah right, but then I witnessed it. Something was bothering her and when we got in the car. The song played. Sure could be coincidence, but I witnessed it on a number of occasions over the course of years (long after the song was popular).

It also happens to me. Call it what you will, but every time I feel discouraged or defeated "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World comes on the radio. Every time. Serious. When it first started happening the song was popular, but it's still happening years later. Now, I know you are going to say it's all in my head, blah, blah. Maybe, I'm just reaching for anything, but it feels me with hope and I carry on.

Does this happen to you or am I the only one who might have some reaching-for-anything issues?

I'm going to be in my posh cave for a while. I may be back on Monday, but I need to go and focus. :) Happy weekend!!

FYI--If you click the link to the Jimmy Eat World video, um, I don't go to parties like that. :)

The query debate

2011-10-26T07:29:00.000-04:00

Here is something I asked a while ago--When is the best time to query? What I got was mixed, but I did get don't do it around the holidays, which makes sense. Yes, the holidays are approaching fast, and, well, as much as I like them, I want them over. You heard me. They are joyous and all that, sorry for sounding like scrooge, but I need to move on. I want to get out there in the trenches good or bad. I still have work to do, I know, but if I get it to where I want it to be, I feel like I have to wait till next year due to the holidays. Blah. So do I wait till January? February? Don't tell me March.

I know I shouldn't be pressuring myself with a deadline. Learn and strengthen, but life's circling around me like a tornado, making me dizzy. I want to go into a cave (with electricity, heat, and a bathroom) and shut the world out. I know what has to be done, I see it, it's finding the time to do it without interruption. It's like when you get towards the end of an awesome book. You have about 10-20 pages left and you're in the heat of the final scene and you keep getting interrupted, but you just want to finish. Yeah, that's how I'm feeling. I guess I want to feel apart of the whole thing, a little validated. I also don't want to miss an opportunity. I know, stupid, right? Everyone goes through this and I will get there. Do it right. Don't compare yourself. I know. I know. I guess this picture sums up my feeling.

I've got my mindset in check, just some natural feelings poke through now and again. So, my blog posts may be here or there. I'm going into that posh cave I was talking about. I need to shut myself out. I have a few posts that are scheduled, but I may be M.I.A. for a while. I know I said this before, but I need to focus.

So, my question out of all of that nonsense--If I finish in a rather soonish manner, should I wait till next year to query? If it's next year, which I'm pretty sure will be the case, how soon after the new year should I start?

Have a great day!

Making it work

2011-10-24T07:13:00.000-04:00

First, thanks again to Matt (QQQE) for his great query critique. So helpful. Also, thanks to everyone who left me feedback and commented. I really appreciate it.

So, I watch Project Runway, yes, I do. I find it fascinating to see what the designers are going to come up with because I'm lucky if I can sew a button onto a shirt so to me these people are amazing. My method for watching the show is as follows: Watch the beginning to find out the challenge, then skip to the end to see the result. So what's wrong with that picture? The work in between. Actually, I tend to not watch the middle because of the drama factor and I will every so often stop in the middle to see Tim Gunn's critiques. It's interesting to listen to what he has to say to help, but leaves it up to the designer for their final decision and execution. Just like writing, right?

We come up with these ideas, which are beyond awesome, write till our fingers bleed, then send it out and wait to hear if it all makes sense. When we get it back there may be notes and lots of red. Don't panic. I used to panic beyond control, now, let's just say, I'm in a better mindset. We must take all the advice we are given and as Tim Gunn puts it 'Make it Work.' That's right. Whether we choose to listen to our betas/CPs is up to you. You must take the advice and make it work with your vision or you may not. Totally up to you. After doing this for 2+ years I've finally come up with a formula, which I'm sure a lot of you use. If two or more folks point out something then give it attention. If only one person does, then it's debatable. I have to weigh what I think will work for me and my story.

This is where I'm at--making it all work, improving, pushing myself beyond where I thought I would no longer go. It's refreshing and scary, but in the end, I will be a better writer for it and hopefully my novel will catch the attention of an agent. I've had eureka moments all weekend on what I need to do. At least, I have more time versus what the contestants have on the show except they don't have kids asking for something every five minutes. We all have out challenges.
So, are you making it work?

Have a great day!

It's totally complicated

2011-10-21T07:22:00.000-04:00

First, Matt (QQQE) is critiquing my query. Go and ~~tear it apart~~ check it out. Let me know what you think. *hides in corner*

Oh and go congratulate Shannon O'Donnell. She has an agent. Shannon is simply the best. That's right, she is. So don't forget to go and do a happy dance for her.

On with the post:
The word complicated is something we don't always like to hear, but for some reason I've heard it all my life. It's like a little cat toy that dangles over my head and doesn't go away when I bat at it. Just the other day, I was speaking with one of my CPs about a plot and how I make things complicated. She said,"You do." I thought about it. I do, but why? I always seem to come up with these complicated plots that are so out of my writing level, I don't know what I'm thinking. I over analyze, over think, over do. I'm not sure why. To be different? To stretch myself? Why can't I just make it easy? I do this in my daily life too, but that's a whole other bag of scary.

I notice when I just do things they flow. For example: As you all know my one manuscripts is being beta read/critted. Some of the things that have been pointed out are totally legit and need attention. First, I looked at it with complete horror (wanting to run away with arms flailing), and after a couple of days of holy crap-this is never going to happen-over thinking every possible thing-these readers think I'm a total amateur, I finally took a breath. I sat there and went through the comments and for once in my writing journey soaked it in and realized it's not that horrible. I can fix this. Last night, I decided to take out a couple of parts and wound up writing 1000 words to a new scene. It needs some work, but still. I need to realize to just let things go, breathe, think easy and take the challenge to fix it instead of over thinking, over analyzing, making it all complicated.

So how about you--do you make things complicated?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful

2011-10-19T07:41:00.001-04:00

Artwork by Kaitlyn McCane.

Lately, things (like usual) are a little crazy. I did have another post ready, but it's all about patience, which is just plan boring. Maybe I'll post it Friday or next week. I wanted to discuss being thankful. I think in our crazy lives we tend to push this feeling a side or we let other feelings dominate. This week is no exception in the chaos of life. My daughter is going to be getting a simple dental procedure on Thursday. It's a simple cavity fill, but the past two times we went she had an all out freak out session (think exorcism). So, she now has to go under sedation to have it done. I'm sure everything will be fine, the medication is common, but that doesn't stop the all-too-real-nightmares that haunt me. Mix this with PMS (I know TMI) and my natural case of pessimism and you get formula for the black hole of self doubt and insecurity.

Here's where I'm going with this. With all that happens, we sometimes tend not to say we appreciate and are extremely thankful for what we have and what others have done for us. I am thankful for what I have, where I am in my life, and where I'm at on this wild, roller coaster journey. I'm extremely thankful for those who continue to advise and put up with me. I would not be here if it wasn't for them. I'm finally at the point where challenge is good. I'm not running from it or thinking it means I'm a complete failure. I'm now seeing it as a learning tool to push myself even harder than I ever have before. So thank you. I hope these folks don't mind, but I need to mention them because they are awesome and they put up with my nonsense. Especially over the past couple of weeks.

We all have our days. There will be good and bad ones so having an amazing support team helps, just make sure you thank them.

Thanks guys!

Of course, there are a ton of other people who help me in so many ways. Thank you too!!

Oh and sorry, I didn't get to do the Third Campaigner challenge. My brain is too busy outlining and brainstorming another novel. Yeah, you heard me.

So what or who are you thankful for?

Have a great day!!

Special Guest Elliot Grace

2011-10-17T07:10:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm spotlighting a wonderful and talented writer, Elliot Grace. His book, SOUTH OF CHARM, was released a few months ago. Elliot's writing is beautiful. I would advise you to check out his blog and his book.

1. When did you start writing journey?

-Back in the days when a "compact" computer was roughly the size of a small dump truck, and when one considered him/herself lucky to have all three channels available on the family Zenith...okay, perhaps not that long ago, but it feels as such. When I was in the third grade, I entered a short story into a school writing contest during Right to Read Week. "Terror Castle," took home first place, and was later read aloud to the entire student body by an actual published children's author who paid us a visit at week's end. There are moments during everyone's life that one can look back upon and say, "That's when everything changed." For me it was that day, listening to my words being read aloud by an actual writer. And I knew...

2. What inspires your writing?

-As writers, it's a necessity to be sensitive to the smallest of life's daily occurrences. To be mentally prepared for an idea to spring from the mundane, for there's no warning before lightning strikes. During my son's track meet last spring, under dreary skies and a steady drizzle that made for an otherwise forgettable afternoon, I watched a teenage girl run the two hundred meter dash with the grace of a gazelle, and thought to myself that if the challenge were to arise, she'd give the boys a run for their money. She reminded me of a thoroughbred at the derby, with her measured strides, frigid air billowing through a set of clenched teeth. And I thought, "A girl named Derby, with the talent for speed..." And while those around me grumbled for something dry to ward off the cold, I was busy piecing together a story. In a nutshell, that's how it most often works for me.

3. 3. Who is your favorite author?

-As a youngster, it was Terry Brooks, Robert Cormier, and C.S. Lewis. I read every piece of their work that I could get my hands on. Nowadays, I'm a fan of John Sandford, Cormac McCarthy, Neil Gaiman, and whatever bestsellers the King Family manages to churn out, (Stephen and his son, Joe Hill :)

4. 4. What sparked the idea for South of Charm?

-"South of Charm" is loosely based on events that shaped my childhood. Back in the days of small town magic, when family's dealt with dysfunction together, rather than turning to a judge for direction. My goal was to capture how it felt to be a ten year old boy once again. A youngster forced into dealing with some very mature situations, and how his actions, the choices he makes, change the very foundation of the only type of lifestyle he's ever known.

5. 5. Could you tell us a little bit about the journey of South of Charm? When you started it to release day.

-Sometimes it feels as though "South of Charm" has been a part of me since childhood, waiting around until the time was right to jot it down. In between the raising of two ornery boys, it took me three years to finish a manuscript worthy of sending out. Following the usual list of rejections, I met David Wiesenberg by chance, at a local book fair while speaking to one of the featured writers on hand, not realizing that he was an editor for Wooster Books. I pitched him my story, just a quick summary off the top of my head. A few days later he emailed me, requesting a full read. I was signed by the end of the month, and after nearly two years of editing and rewrites, "South of Charm" rests on many shelves in and around my home state of Ohio.

6. 6. Any advice for a beginner?

-Stephenie Meyer's fast track to success should not frustrate those who are passionate about one day seeing their work on Wal-Mart shelves. For some it takes years, for others, decades. And everyone's story to publication is unique in its very own measure of success. For all of us though, whether still collecting those rejection letters, or on the brink of signing that first contract, patience is a necessary evil for scaling the publication summit. I liken the process to raising kids...if done in haste, and with little nurturing along the way, the end result will most likely never leave your doorstep ;)

Thanks so much, Christine. That was fun!

Thank you Elliot! You can purchase SOUTH OF CHARM here and check out Elliot's blog So Close, but...

So go check it out.

Have a great day!!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-10-14T06:56:00.000-04:00

How was your week? Mine wasn't too bad. I guess.

1. I went to A.S.King's book signing for her new release EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS. She is awesome. If you get a chance to see her, go. I got there late so I don't have pics. I was there, I swear. Ask Kate Walton, and Joanne Fritz.

2. Check out this video on K.M. Walton's blog. Kate is the most positive person I know and such an inspiration. This is such a fun video and what all of us feel at some point.

3. I got my query done (for now). I have a couple of reviewers so we will see what they say. Scared to death.

4. I'm wanting to write something new, but my mind can't focus because it's worried about the one I want to query.

5. Can't wait till Bones and 30 Rock start up again.

6. Do little boys start kissing games in Kindergarten? My daughter keeps saying a boy wants to kiss her and I'm ready to home school.

7. I started to cry at a scene in How to Train Your Dragon. The cutest little flick. Love it. Yes, I'm behind in my movie watching. The crying is just the mommy in me. Something happens to you after you have kids.

8. I'm dying to read this:

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

and this:

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

But for some reason there are only so many hours in a day. I really need to become a vampire or some sort of immortal creature that doesn't need sleep to catch up on my TBR pile, write awesome manuscripts, be a great mom and wife and clean the house. I'm not asking for much, just a little immortal insomniac. Okay, the immortal part is probably unnecessary, but I like the whole living forever thing. Maybe I could just be able to control time. Oh and an idea sparks in my head.

So, any plans for the weekend?

Have a great day!

Yoga = Idea

2011-10-12T07:31:00.000-04:00

Totally not me. I did not look like this. I wish my class was on a beach.

I started to take yoga and last night was my first class. I really enjoyed it. I'm actually not as sore as I thought I would be, which is a good thing. It's very soothing once you get your brain to slow down. As you know, my brain is hard to shut off. I really don't have a moment of thinking of nothing, you know, totally blank. My brain always has something. Even when I get a massage, my brain is still pushing around thoughts, ideas, and what I need to do. So, I thought maybe yoga might make my mind go blank. It didn't. I did relax, which I need, but mind blankage, no.

Through most of the class, my brain did it's normal flash everything in my head, a whole bunch of jumbled thoughts mixing together,but towards the end something happened. We had to lay flat and do a breathing technique. As I stared at the ceiling fan, an idea popped in my head. I froze thinking, crap, I don't have my journal. The longer I laid there, the more the idea formed and next thing I knew I was outlining the novel in my head, and characters introduced themselves. They even gave me their names. I started to panic because I wanted to find a piece of paper, or something to write all of this down before my brain erased it. I kept repeating everything in my head so I wouldn't forget.

Once the class ended, I rushed home to write down my findings, but the kids needed bedtime stories. The story started to fade, but I did get some of it down. I did lose some details, but I hope to recover them. I guess yoga is not only good for relaxing, but brain storming. I have to remember not to have a panic attack while trying to do yoga breathing. It sort of counteracts what I was trying to do in the first place. Relax.

Have ideas come to you when you couldn't get to your journal or notebook?

Have a great day!

Kick A** Author Debut Spotlight

2011-10-10T07:44:00.000-04:00

So the fabulous Christina Lee has gathered a bunch of folks to spotlight a debut author in 2011 (I think some folks may be doing some authors in 2010). I love supporting people and giving shout outs so here is my spotlight.

I'm spotlighting Amy Holder.

Here are the book specs:

Title: The Lipstick Laws

Author: Amy Holder

Pages: 240

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Graphia

Blurb:

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

This isn't something I would normally read. It's a Young Adult chick lit (I think that is what you could call it). I read a lot of dark and write a lot of dark, but something a little lighter (like this) with lots of great humor helps the mind take a break from heavy. So, here are some reasons I liked this book and spotlighted this author.

1. This book has great voice. I love, love, love books with voice and April's voice is great. I could relate to this gal.

2. This book brought back many memories of how kids act in high school.

3. The pace is awesome and I loved the writing (first person, present tense, my favorite).

4. I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what happened. Good sign of a book full of awesome.

5. Did I mention voice? April's one liners are fantastic. I smiled the whole time I was reading this. Oh and the other characters are fabulous too.

6. Amy Holder (author) is super sweet, seriously, if you ever meet her, you would see what I mean.

There you have it. Short and sweet. Definitely check out Amy's website and her blog.

You can purchase her book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indie bookstores.

She is also on Good reads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Also,go check out the other bloggers who are spotlighting an author. Thanks to Christina for putting this together.

Any debut authors you would like to share?

Have you read The Lipstick Laws?

Have a great day!!

Fun Fact Friday

2011-10-07T07:38:00.001-04:00

This week has flown by. Not much in the fact department.

1. I'm working on a query. Scared, yes. In fact, don't even want to talk about it.

2. I love that we finally have sunshine.

3. Monday I will be part of a blog tour? I guess you can call it that. Organized by that talented lady, Christina Lee. I will feature a debut author. Am I going to tell who it is? No, you need to come back on Monday.

4. I'm finally channeling my guilt of not spending time with my kids and neglecting my house. It's like I lost 10 pounds. Guilt's a horrible feeling. I realize you need to communicate to the ones you love your goals and they will understand. You also need to figure out how to juggle things, spend time with them, do what you have to do, and once you figure that out, life is good. I did have a post written about this, but didn't want to bore you. I may post it next week.

5. Best inspirational quote I found all week. RIP Steve Jobs.

o "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma--which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." - Steve Jobs

6. 6. Check out this site for adorable girls halloween costumes. Happy Cake Creations.

7. 7. Christmas is coming and if you know a cook, consider this as a possibility for a gift. Kaitlyn McCane, the illustrator I feature on my blog now and again, has a piece published in a cookbook. So cute. Go check it out.

8.Has blogger given anyone else issues?

9.Check out the teen blog tour for K.M. Walton's book CRACKED.

Any weekend plans?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

The rollercoaster of emotion

2011-10-05T07:24:00.000-04:00

Today is the Insecure Writers Support Group post. This little gathering was started by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Please check out his blog and the others that are part of this. I also want to say, I'm trying to not ignore the blog, especially responding to your comments and comments, but folks I'm trying to get ready to query, at least I hope.

That's what has been on my mind. The query. Writing it sort of is, well let's face it, a pain, but that's not my full issue. It's getting the baby ready that's been quite the task. Between my two manuscripts, I decided to go back to the first one I wrote to query. I've been working on it for three years and the new one just needed to be away from me for a while (don't ask).

I went through changed the tense and did a comb through. Now it's out to betas and parts go to my CPs. Here's the thing. I feel like no matter what I do it will never be ready. I think for a second (in my gut), yes (fist pump), that was the last revision, but I get feedback and it's, well, it needs more of this and that and I totally agree. Now let me just say, I want the feedback and my CPs and betas are the best people on the planet because I don't want to send it out and it's not ready, but when will I know. When the comments to fix things end. Granted they are not major things (at least not yet), which is a blessing. They are minor, you know, simple and do able, but when will I know. Everyone keeps telling me gut feeling, but let me be honest, my gut doesn't always give me the right sign, at least I don't think so.

So, send me your thoughts. When do you decide a manuscript is ready for the big world of agents eyes?
Am I just being impatient?

Have a great day!

Smiling

2011-10-04T07:23:00.000-04:00

Why am I smiling? This is coming out today. Even though I have a Kindle, I'm buying this baby in the flesh. I want it in my hands. Why do I have so many books to read? And why will I put them aside for this? Look at this cover, and the other reason, Nora and Patch. *Sigh and big smiles*

Yes, I'm drooling a little and staring.

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick Blurb:
The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

What book are you waiting for?

Have a great day!

The Kiss

2011-10-03T07:58:00.000-04:00

The weekend was good. Lots of activity. I did finish my tense conversion on manuscript #1 so you could say I'm super excited. I hope (fingers crossed), I finish my revisions this week so my betas can have it by the end of the week. Again, fingers crossed. Then it's onto the dreaded query (hope it will be painless). So none of this has anything to do with the title of this post. Sorry.

Here is what I wanted to get at. I like writing romance. In fact, pretty much everything I write has it in it. Somebody is kissing somebody, so you could say, I have have a soft spot for kissing scenes. I'm torn between wanting the tension to just get it over with. I know I don't like the tease of flirty through a whole book and nothing, such a let down, but I don't think I'm a big fan of the kiss in the second chapter. Depends, I guess. Here's the thing, I just cut my kissing scene that happens sort of early in the book (don't worry it wasn't the second chapter). I guess it just depends on the characters, but I was torn. I thought in the end it may add a little more tension. We will see what the betas say.

What's your take--

Do like the tension or the early kiss?

This is if you like romance in your novels, or even if you don't, let me know your thoughts on romance in YA.

How was your weekend?

Have a great day!

What's for Breakfast?

2011-09-30T07:24:00.000-04:00

Being a writer isn't easy. I'm not just talking about all the pressure of making your story right, or the crit where every part of your novel got ripped apart, I'm talking about taking care of you. Yes, you. You have a body that needs to function so you can pump out that wickedly awesome novel. So, after you have been writing, for say, a few hours, and things start to blur a little, take a second and think. Ask yourself these questions.

Am I breathing? If you see spots in front of your eyes or your surroundings are turning white you may try and breathe.

Should I go to bed? Now, this one is up for debate. I need at least 6 hours to partially function so there's a point where I have to shut the lap top down especially when my eyes are shut and last word I typed looks like this: tolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll. I'm just sayin'

Have I eaten today? This is my biggest problem. I like food. The problem is I will skip meals in the midst of getting kids fed and out the door, helping them with homework, playing with them, cleaning, writing. I will basically just skip a major feeding event. This skippage leads me to snack a lot. I have a hard time selecting snacks that are in my body's best interest. I, of course, make sure my kids are eating a balanced meal, but when it comes to me, it's the first thing I grab.

This is my main topic today--eating. How do you fit in the best foods for you? I know its more of a discipline thing and don't buy junk. I can't help it if there is a bag of M & Ms in my closet, I can't live without chocolate, but I can somehow make the healthy food look appetizing, right? I'm trying to lose weight so I need all the advice I can get. I am trying to fit in some sort of exercise, 'trying' being the key word here.

I guess what my main question is: What are you favorite healthy foods or snacks?

Let's face it when we are on a roll writing, we don't want to fix a four course meal. What's easy to eat and type without putting on extra pounds and fuels your brain?

Have a great weekend!

Awards

2011-09-28T07:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all your comments on Monday. I'm catching up, slowly. I've also been behind in acknowledging some awards.

I am deeply honored you guys think of me.

Thanks to the talented Les Edgerton for the Versatile Blog award. Check out his new releases The Perfect Crime and Just Like That out now. Thanks Les.

Thanks to the lovely Christine Rains for both awards above. A very talented lady who has an awesome first name. ;) Thanks Christine.

This award is long overdue in acknowledgement. Thank you to Christine Tyler for the Seriously Cute Blog award. Christine, who also has a fabulous first name, gave me this award over the summer, and, well, I have not posted about it till now. Sorry, crazy times here. Check out Christine's blog, you won't be disappointed.

Now, I do things different than the rules. For the awards above you have to post something about yourself. I'm going to post 10 things I heart.

1. I heart my family and friends.

2. I heart my CPs, betas, and this writing community.

3. I heart music. Need it for ideas and characters to speak to me.

4. I heart writing. Obviously.

5. I heart chocolate.

6. I heart good times.

7. I heart the beach.

8. I heart laughter.

9. I heart long walks in a beautiful garden.

10. I heart hope.

Okay, now I must pass these on to others. Today, is your lucky day because you get all three. The names below are in no particular order. You must check these folks out.

1. Steph Sinkhorn

2. Lynn

3. Chris Kelworth

4. Meredith

5. Paul Joseph

Have a great day!!

Hoping I'm not that person.

2011-09-26T07:26:00.000-04:00

Yep, my town, so awesome.

Philly lit night was awesome. Thanks to Frankie and Simon for another successful night. I'm not going to go into some of the discussions. Let's just say we laughed a lot and Simon has a great talent for speaking with multiple accents. Oh and now you know West Chester rocks. :) Also, the amazing Amy Garvey joined us. Her book COLD KISS was just released and is on my TBR list.

Awesome cover too.

So as I sat there with these amazing folks, I thought about querying. I know, weird. I thought for a second about the odds of landing an agent, and how out of all the people there, would I be the one who never gets one. I actually sat there thinking, holy crap, I may be the one. I may be that person who sits there waiting for that one day while everyone else gets it (they all deserve it) and some of them already have agents and book deals (again, well deserved). I might be the one who is only good enough to write daily blog posts and be a super cheerleader (I would do this no matter what, that's just me), but I think you get what I mean.

Now, I'm not getting all --the glass is half empty crap. In fact, the opposite. Yes, this thought pops into my head. It's natural. I get that feeling sometimes, but who doesn't. I'm not going to let it push me backwards. I have too much drive to stop. Of course, being in the company of such wonderful, supportive people helps. A lot. I'm, as you know, a natural born pessimist, but by the end of the night I almost saw the glass full (thanks Kate, most positive person ever, love that. I totally need your voice on a recorder for playback).

I have to follow what is meant for me. What feels right. If it takes me 10 years longer than everyone else then so be it. Okay, it would stink, but I would get there.

My point: Focus on you. Use your drive to get to where you want to be. Sure there will be doubts, it's totally natural, but don't slide down to the pessimist pool. It delays your success. As Rob Dyrdek says, Make your own luck. Yes, I watch Fantasy Factory. I like skateboarders remember. You have to find the positive in everything, he surely does and is super successful.

What are your thoughts?

How was your weekend?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-09-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

This week was really hectic. I had house guests so you know nothing gets done. I haven't worked on my manuscript (for a lengthy amount of time) in about 2 weeks. My brain is freaking out. So today, I'm sitting and revising like crazy. On with the facts.

1. I will do an awards posts sometime next week. Sorry, things happen.

2. The hubs suggested building an ark due to the amount of rain we've been having. Not to mention it's horrible for my hair.

3. I put my manuscript on my Kindle and it's awesome. I can take it with me and think. Joy.

4. I'm halfway through converting manuscript number 1 to present tense. As you know, I did this to manuscript number 2 already. I now know which tense I should be writing in.

5. I'm happy my betas have been patient with me. I asked them months ago to read my manuscript and they are still up for the task. I hope.

6. I think I may still have a chance to query this year. Maybe. I'm not pressuring myself or anything.

7. I wish I was at Oktoberfest in Munich. :) I miss that city.

8. Philly Lit (organized by the lovely Frankie and awesome and snarky Simon) is meeting in my town tomorrow. Can't wait.

9. I watched a lot of crime drama shows this week. My house guests enjoy them. I actually started to have nightmares that I was kidnapped and the police had to solve my disappearance.

10. Tell me some fun facts, folks. How was your week?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Though this was funny

2011-09-21T09:29:00.001-04:00

So, I don't have much today, but I thought I would share this video. Very funny. Some of you may have seen it before. I hope to have more on Friday.
Okay, so, I'm having issues with embedding. I swear this is like the sixth time I've had issues with this. Anyone else have a problem with embedding you tube codes?

Anyway, here is the link. http://youtu.be/aly7bSv6xUs
I hope that works.

Have a great day!!

Part of the Revolution

2011-09-19T07:39:00.000-04:00

Thank you so much for all your birthday wishes. You guys are the best. The weekend was good, and for the most part, we had nice weather. I did get a Kindle. I'm a little intimidated by it. Okay, I guess I'm not really sure what to make of it. I love it so far. I just have that little part of me that feels funny reading a book on a screen. I have a cover on order for my Kindle. A really cute one. You know me, I have to have something eye catching for it. You know, to make it different.

The one part of this thing that excites me is I can put a document on it and take it with me. Of course, I have to figure out how to do that. I think there will be a learning curve. I also love the experimental part, where I can surf the web and put my MP3s on it. Cool.

Artwork by Kaitlyn McCane. You could use your Kindle at the beach.

I'm really excited to use this little thing. I ordered my first book--Divergent by Veronica Roth. I can't wait to read it.

If you have a Kindle, any pointers for a beginner?

How was your weekend?

Any goals this week? My goal is to sit and revise. I've had house guests so I've been a little distracted.

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-09-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

So, I did get to my story this week. I'm happy it's going along smoothly, so far. A couple of facts today, not much because my brain has been wrapped up in my manuscript.

1. My birthday is tomorrow. Yeah, I will be a whole year older. Sigh. Another year wiser, right? I'll let you figure out my age.

2. Don't forget there are other folks birthdays who are way cooler than me. Sara McClung, Simon Larter, Jessica Corra, and Kimberly Franklin. It's a birthday weekend. If I'm missing anyone, I'm blaming it on my overworked brain.

3. The season of Fall officially is blanketing my town. I like it so far.

4. I will be doing an awards post next week because I have had some awards given to me. Thanks to all those folks who were so kind.

5. I have a few birthday wishes -- I want my son to be fully potty trained, I want an agent and an awesome book deal. I don't ask for much, do I?

Any weekend plans?

Have a great weekend!

Questions, questions

2011-09-14T06:55:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be doing a interview of a very, talented author next month and I'm trying to think of some questions. So, I thought I would ask you what you would ask an author. I've got a few in mind, but I want to see what you would ask. Who is this person? Elliot Grace. His book South of Charm was just released so put your thinking caps on and let me know. Also, go check out his blog. He is an amazing writer.

Have a great day!

The result--focus

2011-09-12T07:39:00.000-04:00

On Friday, I went to a first pages session for my SCBWI chapter. I was scared. Why? You know how it is. It was anonymous so I'm not sure why I was so worried. I've been to SCBWI conferences before and even had a one on one with an editor so this should've been cake. But I was scared. I think because it would determine which manuscript I was going to focus on. I sent in the first page of my first manuscript that I've been working on for 2 1/2 years and it has been through tons of re-writes and revisions.

So here's how it went down. On the panel, four agents and two editors. They have a reader who reads each first page a loud. After each piece is read, each person on the panel comments on it. Easy, right? Let me just tell you, when my piece was read my heart pounded in my throat. It was weird because no one knew it was mine. Anyway, the comments started and some were what I expected and some were nice. I knew some areas needed to be fixed. What surprised me is how subjective this whole thing can be. Okay, I know it's subjective, like totally, crazy subjective, but when it's done right in front of you, it's weird. Once, they started going down the line my page went from bleak to I really like it. And the agent who said they really liked it is one of the agents' I plan to query. Yes, I'm a happy camper. I even introduced myself to her in the end so maybe she will remember me. Hopefully, I will stay out of her slush pile.

What's my point? The main lesson is the whole business is subjective so for the most part you need to follow your gut. There are some things that were consistent, but the most important-- make sure your writing is strong.

Other points.

1.Make sure your grammar and spelling is correct. This is one lesson that all of the panel agreed on. Take time to develop and strengthen your writing. Along with voice. Make sure you have voice.

2. Have an unusual hook and strong plot.

3.Research the agent you are looking for. Know what they want.

4.Create a strong query, but don't kill yourself. The panel admitted it must be written well and catch their eye, but they don't always read the whole thing. Some only read the first line, some read only part of it then skip to read the pages you attach. Most agents ask for the first few pages of your mauscript, and I've been told to send them anyway, whether they ask or not.

I'm really excited to now have focus. I can't wait to get started.

Have you gone to any conferences?

What have you learned?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-09-09T07:23:00.000-04:00

I'm making this short today.

1. Thanks to everyone who has been commenting on my blog. I will be responding to your comments soon. Things are a little out of whack this week. I really appreciate all your comments and feedback.

2. Yesterday, I accidently shut my cat in my shower. She was there all day so you know what I came home to. Let's just say, I still smell like bleach. I did find a waterless shampoo to clean her that worked great.

3. I'm attending a SCBWI First pages session today.
        a) I'm scared
        b) I'm preparing myself for the worst
         c) There is a chance (according to the information) that my page might not be read. I'm thinking mine is one of them. In which case, I will think it's not being read because it was horrible.
        d) There is a little part of me that's dreaming the agent will love it and want more. I have such a conflicted brain, which we all know will not happen. I just jinxed myself.

4. I'm sad Entourage (on HBO) is almost done. Love that show.

5. I'm thinking the northeast will become a waterworld and I will have to purchase a jet ski to get around. I do have to buy my kids raincoats and get my son an umbrella. Once I do that, it will stop raining. I know it.

6. I'm sad I have not been successful to get decent seats at the Foo Fighters show.

7. Finished PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ by A.S. King and loved it. Too many good things about this book.

What are your weekend plans?

Any fun facts to share?

Have a great weekend!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

2011-09-07T09:11:00.000-04:00

So, I'm also part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group started by the awesome Alex J. Cavanaugh. I'm sure you've figured out that I'm pretty insecure with writing at times. What a great way to get some support by posting about your fears and struggles along with your victories and breakthroughs. I will be posting this the first Wednesday of each month.

Let's see. I've been struggling a little with focus. I have two manuscripts that are finished, but need revision work. The problem-- I can't focus on one. I'm torn on which one I want to query. Add a ton of new ideas developing and you have a total brain hurricane. I really want to query this year, but it's looking slim. So what do I do? How do I pick? How do I focus?

On the other end of this, I have to say, I have found the best people on earth to support me. So, I know I'm being guided by the best.

Are you facing any struggles?

How about victories?

Have a great day!

Campaign challenge 1--Flash fiction anyone?

2011-09-06T08:16:00.001-04:00

Okay, so here it goes. I've never written flash fiction, so I'm a little scared about this, but there is a first time for everything. This is all for the lovely Rachel Harrie's Platform Builders Campaign.

Here are the rules:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

Now, I went over by four or five words. Oh well. I also write in present tense so I changed The door swung open to --The door swings open. I hope that's okay.

Here is goes. *cringing*

The door swings open, making my heart pound harder. The sirens have been blaring for the past ten minutes. I don’t turn around and continue to stare out the window, watching my commander’s reflection walk towards me.

“It is time, Thea.” He stands at attention in the middle of the room. “The attack has begun on the South side.”

I focus on the clouds hurrying by in the sky, and the wind weaving itself through the trees. “What is my mission?” My head starts to spin; my commander takes over my thoughts, typing the coordinates of my location into my brain. I close my eyes, fighting the sting it leaves behind.

“We need you to go in and take out the snipers.” He approaches me. I want him to touch me again, not keep his distance. I crave it. All of the training to this point has left me empty. “Get your uniform and be at base in ten minutes.” His voice softens. Does he remember us?

I turn to face him, catching his eyes. His jaw clenches. He has to remember because I still do. The memories of us were never erased when they cleansed me. He swallows, and turns. The door swings shut.

And done. Whew. Please go to Rachel's blog and check out the other entries.

Have a great day!

When you have a cold

2011-09-02T09:41:00.000-04:00

I'm finally coming down from the massive attack on my sinuses. I've learned that rest is the best thing, but with rest, my mind wanders. This is a good thing. Why? I'm getting over my 'stuck' moment in my revisions. Daydreaming can spark many things to happen. So, I'm excited to get started.
I also started reading this:

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King. So far I've read half the book in one day. That's a lot for me. This book is fantastic. One of those books that make me want to strengthen my craft, and makes me feel a little intimidated. Like, holy cow, I have a long way to go. I needed this book now. Simply awesome.

Any weekend plans?

Read any good books lately?

Have a great weekend!

I'm in a video--yikes.

2011-08-31T07:18:00.004-04:00

I had a whole other post ready to go and decided it was just dumb. Me talking about which manuscript to work on and focus. Blah. Blah. Blah. Plus, I have a head cold so nothing is functioning right in the brain.
I decided to make this post fun.

First, go to Frankie's blog. Yeah, the pictures and video are up. I can feel my cheeks turning red. Video of the event and I'm in it. Frankie has some wicked film making skills.

Second, the teaser trailer for The Hunger Games. I'm hoping this works. Okay, it didn't. I really am having issues with embedding. Anyway, go here to see it. Argh.

My focus today--to get better and hopefully focus on one manuscript.

How's your week coming?

Have a great day!

Made it through and PAYA

2011-08-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it through the hurricane. We lost power, but only for a short time. I did get a chance to attend PAYA right before the storm hit. What fun. An awesome festival celebrating Young adult books. Author signings, raffles, lots of fun. It's held in West Chester, Pa. Some authors couldn't make it due to the storm. I was bummed because Jeri Smith-Ready was one of them. :( I will meet her one day. I'd rather them be safe, though.
I also have to become more camera happy at these things. I feel like such a stalker. I did take a few of pics.

Kelly and Frankie

Kelly and Kate (K.M. Walton--Cracked due out 1/3/12)

Amy Holder (Lipstick Laws)

I also got to visit with Dianne Salerni (We Hear the Dead), Jessica Corra, April Lindner (Jane), Shannon Delany (13 to Life), and Sara Kankowski DeSabato (Blog--First Novels Club)

We had lots of laughs and writing talk. Frankie took video. I'm not sure when that's going to be posted. *cringes* I will keep you posted.

How was your weekend?

Any goals?

I'm just glad I'm starting to get a schedule in place. I hope to revise a lot this week.

Have a great day!

Prepping for a hurricane--writers view

2011-08-26T07:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, Hurricane Irene is coming to the Philly area (hitting New Jersey). That means we will have crazy winds, rain and flooding. I've been through hurricanes before so I'm making the necessary preparations.
Batteries, non-perishable food, water, filling up the gas tank in the car, etc. After all of this is done, I have to prep for my writer self. Here are a few things I may need to do.

1. Unfortunately, my laptop battery is on it's way to battery graveyard. I'm lucky if it stays charged for an hour. Maybe the hubs will think about a generator for it. It would benefit the family too. :)

2. Plenty of pencils, highlighters, pens to mark up the multiple printouts of all my WIPs.

3. Chocolate. I don't think I need to comment on this.

4. Lots of books in case I get writers block.

5. MP3 player is charged for musical inspiration and to block out the wind howling outside.

6. Flashlight--this is already in the survival kit, but pack an extra one for reading and writing purposes.

7. All manuscripts are backed up on an external drive and put into a fireproof box. You never know what can happen. Doesn't everyone do this?

8. Have CPs on call in case I need an emergency brainstorming session or some sort of support. I'm thinking through Morse code of flashlights.

9. Does anyone have anything to add?

Have a great weekend! Stay safe!

Need some answers boys.

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-04:00

The piece I'm currently revising is from a female POV (first person, present tense). My other piece that I'm dying to get back to is in two POVs, one female and one male. I kind of like writing in a male POV, but I'm worried being--ahem--a lady, that it's not authentic. I think I can see some things from a guys perspective (I tend to feel more comfortable around the male species), but let's be real, I don't fully know what makes them tick.

Take love, for example. Some guys may get all starry eyed, with that warm feeling in their heart. They may float a little, possibly shed a tear of joy, who knows. Lots of movies and books do throw this gent out there, but is it accurate or just what we ladies wish for. I'm sure this guy is out there, but will all guys agree. It's not easy to figure out the opposite sex. I've tried. Not easy, but observe and you could learn something. I am married to one, so I can observe everyday. Plus, research is always key. Google anyone? So, here is what I found. Most of it is obvious and pretty stereotypical.

Guys:
More action oriented.They do instead of thinking about it.
Hide emotion except anger
Think about sex--a lot. Skipping the small talk and getting more physical.
Like to be in charge
Less patient
More visual
Are problem solvers
Straightforward
Seem more confident --don't ask for directions

Now, all guys are not everything I listed. This is all general observations. Don't get mad, boys, we ladies are just trying to figure you out. So, how do we approach writing from a male POV? I go by what I've observed and read. I'm looking for feedback.

Here are some posts I've found that are awesome.

Roni Loren --Man Up Writing Male POV

L. Diane Wolfe- Writing from a Male POV

Here are the questions:
To the guys (and the ladies): Have you read any books written by a woman that is an accurate male POV?
Your thoughts on writing a male POV?

Have a great day!

The Campaign

2011-08-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

Rachel Harrie is putting on another Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. I did this the last go around and it was loads of fun. Go here to sign up.

I'm signing up today. Thanks to Rachel for putting this together. This a great way to meet other writers and learn more about writing.
Have a great day!

Realizing

2011-08-22T07:14:00.000-04:00

Hi folks. I'm back.

First, Thanks to the incredibly talented, awesome ladies who put on Write On Con. *applauding*

Second, I'm still revising. I thought if I took a few days off from blogging I would get a lot done, but I spent most of my time with my family. So the days were not wasted. I did attend Write On Con. I learned a lot and it made me think about a lot of things. It's like one of those moments when you think, wow. You sort get a view on life in general. See, I've been writing and revising at a rate that maybe a little crazy. I set a goal for myself and I'm trying to get there. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, in fact, it's good for me. What I realized is--not to be so hard on myself. I know, you're looking at me like really, you haven't figured this out already. Seriously? I guess in a way I need repeated beatings to get it into my skull.

A couple of the posts at Write On Con helped me see what my manuscript needs and what the next step is. It also made me realize that I need to step back, look at the big picture. My goal is to write great stories that will land me an agent and a book deal. Stories that I love. I've been doing that, but I've also been pushing myself to the point of thinking this is never going to happen, I'm too slow, and the whole confidence issue. I'm not going to slow down, just take my time on how I approach it and not get so worked up when I don't reach my daily goal or my main one. This will take a lot of strength, but I can do this. I planned to query by October. Still a reachable goal, but one I realize I may not meet. If that's the case, I will just re-adjust my plan. I can't get so worked up over it.

With that being said, here are some links to some great posts from Write On Con.

Check this out on Revising your Way to Success by Author Carrie Ryan

Writing a Great Query Letter by Literary Agent Jim McCarthy

Moments that Matter by Author Matt Myklusch

So you Wanna be a Writer? by Author Amy Fellner Dominy

Critique Groups 101 with the YA Muses

Your Own Hero's Journey: Advice from and Editor and Life Coach for Writers by Editor Kendra Levin

Are you Ready to Query? by Agent Kate Schafer Testerman

Don't Give Up by Author Beth Revis This one is the one that really makes you think. It makes you see how long it takes.

Need a genre definition. I found this helpful post by Jennifer Laughran. The big Ol'Genre Glossary.

So there you have it. My goal is to keep revising this week. I did work out some problem areas in my MS, now I have to re-work some things to make it work.

Any goals this week?

If you attended Write On Con or any recent conference, what did you learn?

Have a great day!

Where did she go?

2011-08-17T07:27:00.000-04:00

So, I'm taking a blogging vacation this week. Gasp! How? Well, Write On Con is going on so I'm popping in there and I'm revising. **sinks in seat** **eye bugging out** I will be back next week. Hopefully. Check out Write On Con. Lots of awesome info and inspiration.

Enjoy the weekend!!

Artwork by Kaitlyn McCane

Why I'm not quitting.

2011-08-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

Quitting is easy. It's not hard and an easy out. It's something that does cross my mind at certain moments, but I can never do it. Why? When you love something so much you can't give it up (Wouldn't give up on your child, right?) No matter how much it beats you down, makes you crazy, tests your patience and question friendships. I can't let it go. I have to do this no matter what. I will keep trying and pushing myself to the limit.

I have to dismiss certain feelings I may have that are ridiculously petty to move forward. Dwelling on anything sets you back. Trust me, I know. Been there earlier this year. If I would've just gotten over certain things, I would've been querying by now. Instead, I dwelled on it, letting it harbor inside me, pulling me down, and leaving me behind. Please don't dwell. If you have something to say, say it, otherwise, swipe it from your memory because it will hold you prisoner.

I realized that only I can move myself forward, not sympathy or harsh feelings. I have to because writing is a part of me. I love it. I've worked so hard to get to this point that quitting would be like removing a part me and letting the rest of me go numb. I feel alive when I write and I'm not going to stop. There will be a lot of rough times ahead, I know it, but writing anything, even a blog post, brightens all that turns dark.

I've also met too many people who are the best people on the planet. I've never felt more support.

How about you--what keeps you going?

This is a short one. I've got to get back to edits.

Have a great day!!

What's coming up!

2011-08-15T07:05:00.000-04:00

I had an idea for a blog post, and it totally left my brain. So, I thought I would let you in on what will be happening on this blog over the next few months.

1. First a reminder-- Write on Con--Yeah, folks starts tomorrow. Go check out how awesome it will be. I did it last year and plan to do it again. August 16-18.

2. August 27th PAYA--If you are in the West Chester, PA. area you must check this out. I went last year and it was so much fun. Plus, lots of great prizes and authors.

3. I will be participating in the promotion/reviewing of String Bridge by Jessica Bell. Blog tour is November 1st-20th. Amazon rush November 11th.

4. I will also be reviewing/promoting Cracked by K.M. Walton. A contest may be with this one. So stay tuned. To be released January 3, 2012.

5. I will be having another contest that includes the works of Kaitlyn McCane. You know you love her stuff.

How was your weekend?

Are you participating in any blog tours, reviews or contests?

I'm working a lot this week so the little blog might be neglected. Only slightly. :)

Have a great day!!

Is optimism in your genes?

2011-08-11T08:26:00.002-04:00

This is something I wonder. Are you born optimistic? I know depression can be genetic, at least I think so. I'm pretty sure it runs in my family. I naturally look at things in a negative light, and in my later years of high school, I was one depressed gal (I probably should've seeked counseling). I'm not proud of it. It really complicates a lot of things in my life and probably pushes people away from me. I wish I had that outlook of positive, positive, positive--naturally.

Whether it's genetic or not. I know optimism can be learned. I'm living proof. I have my moments (old habits die hard), plus if depression is genetic, I'm fighting against my minds natural tendency. But I'm learning it. When I started this journey, it was the first time I truly in my heart believed in myself and never felt better. Of course, this isn't an easy business. Your ego gets boosted and crushed at a fully dramatic level, but I know in my heart that I can't stop. I have to accept certain things and understand the level I'm at. I must understand that others will get ahead, and one day I may get there. As long as I practice the way of optimism, I know I will.

Are you naturally optimistic? Are you practicing optimism?

This is one of my pump me up songs and today I'm crankin' it. I need it.

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MrLJeAL4Ywo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I may not post tomorrow so have a great weekend!!

Sugar coat it.

2011-08-10T08:04:00.000-04:00

First, don't forget to vote for Zachary Moore for the YA Crush Tourney. Voting begins at 9 am EST here. Also, visit Jeri Smith-Ready's blog for what will happen if Zach wins. Go #TeamKilt!!

Music, as you know, is a huge inspiration for me. Certain songs create certain visuals, and if a song hits me the right way, an idea or scene will knock me over. I do listen to music for pleasure. Usually, a catchy beat gains my attention. After that, I listen to the lyrics. What's this song about? What's the artist trying to say? You know, typical stuff. I really find it interesting when an artist takes a mind numbing catchy beat and puts some dark lyrics underneath. In a way, sugar coating it. Now, don't get me wrong, I like 'the tell it like it is.' I just find it interesting when this is done.

The Smiths did it. "Girlfriend in a Coma", "Unhappy Birthday"...They have very uplifting beats, but the subject matter not so much. I love the Smiths and Morrissey so clever and plain out awesome.

There's a more recent song I can't get out of my head is by Foster the People. "Pumped up Kicks."

If you watch this, please note they have a commercial before the video.

Now, I like this song a lot, and, well, the lyrics have a lot to say. From what I get it's about a boy who is bullied and he brings a gun to school to shoot those who bully him. Catchy tune and dark lyrics. Interesting. I like it, but some of you may not and that's okay. In a way, the music doesn't fit what the lyrics really are about, at least what we think the music should sound like to lyrics as dark as they are.

In books, I have not found this so much. I just read The Radleys by Matt Haig (adult). Me, being a huge vampire fan, I had to check it out. Yes, it's about vampires. See Blurb below.

This witty vampire novel from British author Haig (The Possession of Mr. Cave) provides what jaded fans of the Twilight series need, not True Blood exactly, but some fresh blood in the form of a true blue family. Dr. Peter Radley and his wife, Helen, have fled wild London for the village of Bishopthorpe, where they live an outwardly ordinary life. The Radleys, who follow the rules of The Abstainer's Handbook (e.g., "Be proud to act like a normal human being"), haven't told their 15-year-old vegan daughter, Clara, and 17-year-old son, Rowan, who's troubled by nightmares, that they're really vampires. A crisis occurs when a drunken classmate of Clara's, Stuart Harper, attacks her on her way home from a party and inadvertently awakens the girl's blood thirst. Peter's call for help to his brother, Will, a practicing vampire, leads to scary consequences. The likable Clara and Rowan will appeal to both adult and teen readers.

It's dark, but the wit that is written through it actually lightens the dark side of the whole vampire thing. Yes, there is killing, but, believe it or not, is less creepy. Weird I know. BTW--The dialogue is fantastic. I do recommend this book.

So my point, I tend to be drawn to things that are dark, in fact, most of my writing is and I like it. I haven't figured out how to sugar coat it, and right now, in my writing, I don't want to, I want it out there, but sometimes it's interesting to read or hear it in a way you wouldn't normally expect.

Sorry long post, and hopefully it makes sense.

Do you have anything that you have read or heard that's seems sugar coated?

Have a great day!

That vs. Which--The info.

2011-08-08T07:19:00.000-04:00

Which and that. Do you know how to use them? I will admit, I'm pretty sure I have misused. In fact, I guarantee it. I see my CPs smirking. :)

Let's start off with which--This word is usually surrounded by commas and you use it if a group of words adds information. If you took it out of the sentence, the sentence would still mean the same thing.

Example: The cat, which is black and white, jumped off the ledge.
I'm adding information to which cat it is. Simple right?

Now let's head over to that--This word is used when you are limiting the things you are talking about. If you got rid of it, the sentence would mean something different.

Example: Cars that are black retain heat.
I'm specifying a specific type of car vs. all cars. If I took out that information the sentence would not have the same meaning.

Now, is this easy to see when you are writing? Not all the time. I could read a sentence over a million times and still miss it ( mainly because my eyes are crossed and my brain is fried). That's why we have crit partners, right?
I think I made that lesson easy.

Here are some links for more information.
Better writing skills.com

Grammar Girl

So, how is your usage of which and that? Any other tips?

Oh and if you are following the YA Crush Tourney --Zachary Moore won the next round. Go #TeamKilt. You know I love Jeri Smith Ready's books so I'm voting for Zach all the way. Next match up is on August 10th.

Yeah, I know this says August 5th, but it was the only button I could find at the moment. Next vote August 10th.

Have a great day!!

Forever Contest

2011-08-07T21:40:00.000-04:00

Note a contest: Kimberly Franklin (booKrushed, Kristin Rae and Kristi Chestnutt) are giving away a signed copy of Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. Yes, you heard me.Ends August 29th.

Exciting, right? Go to one of the links I have above to enter.

Don't forget to take a snack break

2011-08-05T08:08:00.000-04:00

Surprise, I've been revising, but you knew that already. Over the past two days, I've gone through and cut lots in my 200 pages. I have a problem realizing when I need to take a break. The other night, I revised for 3 hours, and by the end, well, let's just say, here are some pointers that you may need to take a breather.

1. A headache may form and spread from the center of your forehead to your temples. If you are lucky, it will spread around to the back of your skull.

2. Your eyes may hurt, ache if you will, and your sight might blur.

3. Your MCs stand in your family room looking at you then diappear like a ghost. Yeah, that's not fun. Hallucinating.

4. The sentence you just typed looks like this: I run towards the door hjoihnleim kaiekmf.

5. You keep reading the same paragraph over and over. The meaning of it changes each time you read it.

If any of the above happen to you. Don't be alarmed. It just means you need to step away from the screen. That's right, step away. Don't look at me like that. Get up, walk around, grab a drink or a snack and refresh.

Now, back to revising. :)

Any breaktime habits you would like to share?

Have a great weekend!

Blank

2011-08-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

My brain is fully occupied with chopping and killing (just my darlings, folks. No need to call any authorities). So, that means when thinking of a blog post, all I get is blank. I thought maybe I would talk about movies. Yeah. No detail just ones I can't wait for. You probably know so sorry for the yawn.
You know I'm beyond excited for this.

Okay, this is Gale and Peeta from the Hunger Games (sorry guys, I know Katniss is the main character, but these two are sort of distracting). Yes, The Hunger Games. The one thing I have to say is it better be good.

To be released March 23, 2012. Can't wait.

Another movie I can't wait for--Breaking Dawn Part 1. I know you're probably yawning and saying, "Really?" But I can't wait. When I read this book I thought, How are they going to pull this one off in a movie. So, I'm really curious.

To be released November 18, 2011.

Okay, what are the movies you can't wait for?

Have a great day!

Balancing the inner dialogue

2011-08-01T07:14:00.000-04:00

I got back my MS from one of my CPs. All and all not as bad as I thought. No major plot holes, some little quirks, but the thing that will be the big fix is interior dialogue. I have a very bad habit to write a lot of it. I guess I feel I have to let the reader know what the character is thinking. Now, some is not bad, but beware that it doesn't infect your MS.

Interior Dialogue--What is it? It's that conversation you have in your head, basically with yourself, on your perception of what goes on around you. Your feelings expressed out loud in your head.

In writing, we express our characters feelings through motions (actions), dialogue with other characters, appearance, and inner dialogue. Your characters think, right? At some point they will wonder about something, and, well, will think about it, and that my friends, could wind up on the page. It helps with tension, may answer some questions for the reader, it helps contribute to the character's voice, and hopefully keep the reader reading.

My issue is keeping a nice balance of just enough. I tend to go overboard and what happens is it slows the scene down and/or confuses the reader.

So what's the fix? Good question. For me, my CP pointed it out. Now, I'm going through to see if inner dialogue is repeated (in my case, it makes the character whiny, lessens tension, and slows the reader down), is it contributing to the scene, does it have anything to do with the scene, etc.

Again, like with everything, balance is the key. There is no magic formula. So, I'm going back through and slashing where I can.

Do you have any pointers on balancing inner dialogue?
Links to some interesting posts on the subject:

The Blood Red Pencil--Inner Dialogue

Writing Fiction: Dialogue

Adding Meaning with Internal Dialogue

Stephen Tremp--Inner Dialogue

How was your weekend?

Any goals this week?

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

2011-07-29T06:43:00.000-04:00

Just some random facts today. I'm working hard this week.

1. I didn't realize today was Friday for some reason, I keep thinking it's Thursday. Don't ask. I knew Wednesday was Wednesday, so what happened to Thursday. I missed a book signing. Brain is too busy thinking of manuscripts.

2. K.M. Walton's book Cracked is now coming out Jamuary 3, 2012. Yeah, you can pre-order and go read her blog regarding No Name Calling Week that will be going on in schools across the country.

3. I'm addicted to Storage Wars.

4. I'm excited to continue revising. Really, what's wrong with me.

5. I don't know how to use Google +. Ummm, yeah, one more distraction.

6. I either read books super fast and slow down on writing, or write fast and slow down on my book reading. The two parties are never in synch.

7. Check this out. Whoops in Monaco. Five car pile up. Some people have way too much money.

8. I'm having a hard time sitting and watching a movie. Too much going on in my head.

9. I can't shut off my brain and I don't think I ever will. There is no vacation mode button.

10. Optimism is sprouting through a sea of doubt.

Any weekend plans?

Have a great weekend!

To Kill a Darling

2011-07-27T07:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who commented on my 200 words. Your feedback was very helpful.

Killing your darlings, trimming the fat, if you will, you know what I'm talking about. Those scenes your characters told you to write, but they don't fit the story. The ones you read and then a pit forms in the upper part of your stomach because you know you must get rid of it. A CP might of mention it with a red comment box or they may simply put a black line through it. So, your finger trembles as it hovers over the delete button. Your instinct says do it and your heart says no. Yeah, those. This is my next round of revisions. It sometimes makes me sad because some of those scenes I really love, but they must be gone.

So what do you look for? Scenes that do not move the story forward, and really (to me), just seem like filler. They are not easy to spot. They will be in disguise and may require someone else to force them out. Trust me, they give me the puppy dog eyes all the time, making me love them.

Why do we write them? Sometimes to get the know the character, story, or setting better. It's not bad to write them, you have to understand that they are helping you, just not helping the overall delivery of the story, and so, sadly, they must be chopped, killed if you will.

How do you find them? Remember they will be in disguise, making you love them, playing all innocent. So, you will most likely not be the first person to see them. Most of the time (95% of the time), for me, a CP will say, "It slows here for me." Or "This doesn't need to be here." Other times (5% of the time), I'm the one who sees that the scene isn't working. Ask yourself, "Does this have anything to do with the final outcome of the story?" "Is it forwarding my character along, helping them get to the goal I've given them?" If the answer is no, then chop it. Don't worry, the police won't come for you, in fact, your CPs and future readers will love you for it.

Tell me, what questions do you ask yourself to help you see what you must chop?

A couple of interesting posts on the subject
:
Writing rules misapplied

How to kill your darlings without remorse

The meaning of the literary expression "Kill your Darlings"

K is for Kill your Darlings

Have a great day!

Gearin' up to get an agent week 4

2011-07-25T07:04:00.001-04:00

So I've missed two weeks. Summer can be crazy. I'm submitting something that I've worked on for a while. Thanks to Deana for putting all of this together. Go here to check out the other entires.
This is a YA scifi romance titled Lingering Souls. Let me know what you think.
Thanks.

The little brown pill bottle that sits on the counter is the best birthday present I could ever give myself. It sits next to the bottles of my mom’s vodka. The bottles seem so sleek and elegant compared to the stumpy, pill bottle, yet they look like a compatible pair.

Sweat drips down the center of my back. The July heat wave is becoming unbearable. Since the air conditioner died, the windows are wide open. Not that it helps in air as thick as mud; in fact it’s only letting more in. I’d rather them closed so maybe I can suffocate by accident instead of a self inflicted death, but my decision is made.

A white moth flutters around the light on the fan above me. Every time the moth hits the light, an annoying ping interrupts the silence. My conscious has played tricks on me all day, controlling my motions and decisions. Gazing around the room everything takes on a yellow haze. I glance down through blurry tears. The edges of a picture I’ve been holding for hours seem fuzzy and worn. Just like me. Nothing’s clear and all signs point to exiting my existence.

My cell buzzes. I ignore it. Don’t want to talk to anyone.

Thanks again and have a great day!

Tenses are switched

2011-07-22T07:25:00.000-04:00

So I did it. I finished converting a mixed tense manuscript to all present tense (except for the flashbacks which are in past). I actually can't believe it, all 204 pages, and I'm giddy about it. I still have a lot of work to do. Some fill in stuff, re-doing the beginning then check the plot things (kill some darlings, you know, the usual). I'm down right excited. And the cup of inspiration is filled.

See I'm hyping myself up for the next round of revisions.

So hype yourself up, people. Situations change, people change, learn, grow, and write, write, write. Only you hold the key to your success.

Inspiring? Good. Now if I could only psych myself into running. I'm going to eat a piece of chocolate and some baked Cheetos (don't ask).

Have a great weekend
!
Oh and I tried so hard to embed this all sorts of awesome movie poster for a little movie called The Hunger Games, but the darn thing gave me trouble. So go check it out here (the first novels club, because those gals are way more talented than me at embedding this stuff) or here.

Can't wait for it!!

Oh the butt

2011-07-20T07:13:00.001-04:00

Yeah, your butt, your behind. I think I'm getting the butt of a writer. I naturally have had wider hips than the average lady, but sitting a lot, does nothing for it. Now, this may not apply to the guys (just statin' the facts, I'm not a hater) or some of you model like gals (again not a hater, a little jealous, but not a hater).

I mean, really, you sit for hours looking at a screen, creating, (I'm not going into what this is doing to my eyes, which are already in bad shape--most of us wear glasses, right? That's a whole other post waiting to be written), traveling to other worlds, etc. And most of my motivation to do anything else is poured into my passion, so as much as I want to run cause I know it will tone me, that motivation moves to putting another piece of chocolate in my mouth. Hey, it's easier than getting up and sweating.

So, I thought how can lose weight, well tone, and write because we all know I'm not stopping that.

1. I want to run and type so maybe the Wii can be involved, somehow, I'm just throwing this out there. Would it look weird? Controller in one hand, the other hand on the keyboard...that's an accident waiting to happen. And the typing may not be the best.

2. Make it easier. Stand and type, you're not sitting so everything that was going to the butt is going down to your feet. Although, I'm doing this right now and it's not good on the back.

3. Yeah, so out of ideas already. I guess I have to go back to dividing my time. **groan** My ADD will be mad at that one, since it likes to do two things at once. I like trying to accomplish two things at once, it gives me more time. Wait a sec. It gives me more time to write. Dividing my time it is.

Are you dividing your time, getting some exercise? I need to pump myself up for it. A little fresh air could help the creative juices. **opens door** **cringes** Except when it's 100 degrees and the humidity ceases all air flow to my lungs. Yeah, motivation definitely needed.

Let me know some of your motivation techniques to get into the mood of exercise.

Have a great day!

Back to reality

2011-07-18T06:56:00.000-04:00

I was on vacation last week. The beach. Soft sand, ocean rumbling, sea gulls making weird calls and dive bombing people for french fries, the smell of fried food, and the light cool sea breeze. Can you feel it? I'm sort of still there in my head. It takes me a while to get back into the groove, but I have to snap out of it, I've got a lot of work to do.

Revisions. Now, don't go running. I know it can be a scary word, but I'm trying to push away the fear and look at it with a set of optimistic eyes. It's one of those things where you take a deep breath and dive in. I feel like I've been working on them forever, but really it's only been a few weeks for baby number 2. I got a great critique earlier in the week and it really put things in perspective on what I need to do to this baby. You know, one of those a-ha moments. It gave me a push really on where I need to be and made me really believe in this story. Of course, this will require the following things.

Focus. Another one of those words. More like easier said than done. With a few piles of laundry, dust on all hard surfaces that now have faces drawn into them and cat hair all over the carpet (creating tumble weeds), it's easy to lose sight. Not to mention, two small kiddos needing something every five minutes. Frustration can build causing writers block and totally ruining the mood. I'm trying to get back to "the schedule" that allows me some sort of writing time.

Determination. It's burning so hot I may breathe fire soon. I can't believe after an awesomely (yes, I said awesomely) helpful critique how much hotter the fire could burn. I never knew I could want something so badly and how hard I'm willing to work for it.

So, I have a goal to finish my first round of revisions by next week. Hopefully. I want to get started on any plot revisions soon.

I also read an incredible book on my vacation. Cracked by K. M. Walton. It's not due out until March 2012. I will give my review closer to the release date, but let's just say it's really, really good. Awesome. Fantastic. Okay, I'll stop. You will love it. Yes, I will be doing some promo of this as the birth of this baby comes closer. Stay tuned.

How was your weekend?

What are your goals?

Have you read any good books lately?

Have a great day!

Yes, I'm alive

2011-07-11T14:53:00.003-04:00

I am alive, just revising. The hubs is off so family time is in order and I'm fitting in some revising. I'm excited because I can see the whole tense thing now. Amazing thing, the learning process. I'm about 1/2 way through my first round of revisions (changing to present tense and adding some things).

So tell me folks--How was your weekend? How are your goals coming along?

Short one guys. Have a great day!

My feet turned cold.

2011-07-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been having an issue. It's called cold feet. I don't know what it is. I've been through all of this stuff except the query part. I should be able to feel confident about my stuff. I do, but I'm scared to send my stuff to my CPs. I know when they read this I'm going to get a talking to, but I don't know why I'm feeling this way.

Last year, I would've given my story to anyone. I was sending stuff to my CPs at an annoying rate. Now, I'm clamming up. I feel like it has to be perfect, and I know it's not, and that's what CPs are for, to help.
Then why am I getting so jittery. I'm trying to get through the first round of revisions of my latest MS and I get a fear ball in my tummy with the thought of sending my stuff to my lovely gals. Why am I so afraid? I know they are to help and they support me to no end. It's awesome. They are awesome. Yes, I will tell you right now, they are the best. You can argue, but I will tell you, they are the best in the world. Yes, I said world.

I should get over this, and I know I will, but this is one of the strangest feelings I've had on this journey.

Anyone else have this happen to them?

I did make great progress in my converting past to present tense on my MS. Tedious, but it should make it much better. I hope.

Since I'm working hardcore on revisions, my posts may be random next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Gearin' up to get an Agent week 1

2011-07-06T06:59:00.000-04:00

First of all, thanks to Christine Tyler (Writer Coaster) for the Seriously Cute Blogger award. I will dedicate a post soon, but wanted to send out my thanks to this awesome blogger. Thanks, you're so sweet.

Second,
Here is my question for Week 1 of Gearin' up to get an Agent hosted by the lovely Deana Barnhart.

What's the best time of year to query?

Silly question...maybe, but I'd like to know.

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was full of family, friends, and BBQs. Lots of fun. Now, I need to get back to work. I hope to get some revising done.

Have a great day!

First thought

2011-07-01T07:08:00.000-04:00

It's Friday and it's summer, so lots of folks are away or just enjoying this awesome time of year. So, being that it is a holiday weekend here, I will not be posting on Monday (BBQ galore). I thought I would post an exercise. Simple, and quick. Below is a photo.

See it.

Now, pictures and photos can be a source to ignite ideas.

What is the first thing that comes to mind?

For me: A trail that leads to a secret door which opens to another dimension.

Now, it's your turn. It can be one word or a sentence. Have fun with it.

Have a great weekend!

Accepting yourself

2011-06-29T06:49:00.000-04:00

Throughout my life this is one thing that I always stumble upon--accepting myself the way I am. I'm not a weirdo or anything. Well, maybe that's an opinion. Since high school, I've tried my best to fit in and found I really only fit in with the kids who didn't. Even then, I sometimes felt like a poseur, a person just accepted because I was nice, not for who I really was. Who was I? I really didn't know. But that's high school. You're looking for something, something that makes you not feel like you are a total outcast, a total zero.

Now, some of you may feel differently and that's fine. You may say, I like who I am and those who don't can just deal. So, you don't have to read the rest of this. I won't bore you. At times, I put this game face on, but deep down, I know I'm still looking. Even as an adult, I try my best to just fit in. I can relate to a lot of different types of folks so I'm not a total social idiot. I'm civil, in fact, I can be down right happy, but there is always something that never feels entirely real, like does this person really understands me, or are just being nice because they think I'm weird or not genuine or not serious. It's hard to describe, this feeling of acceptance.

So, at every stage in my life I try to learn who I am. What makes me...me?

Some things have changed since high school. I'm definitely more confident, and more determined to get what I want. Some things have not--taste in music, books, TV shows, all seem to stay the same. I'm finally have realized that writing is the one passion, I should've figured out sooner. Really, all the signs were there, I guess my brain wasn't. When I entered this whole writing world, I felt like, wow, this is me, totally, and it is, I just have to realize that I may still be the outsider in some situations. I have to keep doing what I want to do and not worry what others think of me. Sure, I'm not the coolest, obviously, I'm not the smartest, the most technical, or the most popular. I have to accept what I am good at, what makes me happy, as for my shortcomings, I must figure out how to make them better. I have to accept what is in my life and that I can't do it all. I can't keep up with some people and that's okay.

Learning to accept who you are is just that--you must learn it, and yes, there will be many times of why don't they like me, but you know what, you have something that's totally different, maybe making some people wish they had that too, they just don't say it. We can't please everyone. Another thing I have issues with, since that's all I felt like I had to do, please people, but I'm learning that you can't and it's okay. Pleasing yourself is the best feeling in the world.

I guess that's why I write YA. I wish I was more like my characters in high school. Going out with a totally hot guy, having some sort of super power on a rollercoaster ride to solving mysteries and dealing with super villians who are trying to take over the world. Hey, one can dream.

Have you had issues with accepting yourself?

Have a great day!

My other post.

2011-06-27T08:34:00.000-04:00

It takes a lot for me to get fired up and I don't usually talk about things outside of writing on my blog, meaning more news like stuff, and if I do, the stuff is usually simple or funny. I'm getting fired up, and to be honest, this is getting out of hand--completely ridiculous.

You might have heard about the accident of Ryan Dunn (Jackass star) and Zachary Hartwell. It's horrible and quite sad. Ryan is part of Bam Margara's (Jackass star, professional skateboarder) crew, our local celebrities. Now, I watch the show (which I find entertaining), and see them around town and all that, so no big deal. Yes, they tick people off and make of money doing it. I guess I never realized how big they were and how much the human public can be completely heartless. This accident happened around the corner from the house. It woke my husband and I up. At the time, we didn't know what it was.
At 2:30 am on June 20th, Ryan Dunn drove his Porsche 911 GT3 at 130 mph, hit a guardrail and landed in a bunch of trees. The car then caught fire. He was drunk at the time, .196 (.08 is the limit). The decision he made was extremely poor and I thank god that no one else was on the road. In fact, a lot of parents are bringing their kids to the crash site to show them what drinking and driving can do. Actually, lots of people are visiting the crash site (about 20-30 cars a day), which is fine if you are paying your respects. I'm all for that.

What I find totally insane is that people are picking up pieces from the site and selling them on ebay. My husband showed me this number that, well, totally made me sick. See this article. Someone sold the local newspaper (dated the day after the crash) that included the crash and death information of the two people involved. Yes, put the paper on ebay. Really? Yes, really. They sold it for $11,100. Who bought it? Not sure. Who sold it? Again, not sure. My question is why? In fact, this just makes me wonder about humanity. I'm really just speechless and maybe because this has been in my face all week that I can't believe it. I can't believe how big of a deal this is. Yes, horrible, and some say he, Ryan Dunn, had it coming. If that's what you believe, fine, you are entitled to your opinion, but making a profit off of a newspaper with the headline of this death? Hmmm. Is it for a charity to help people in some way? Then fine. (Although, I would question the person who bought it.)

I think about the family and friends of these two, and think about what they might be going through, not what can I make off it. So sad.

The other thing is-- there is an article that some extremist group from Kansas is supposed to come and protest a public memorial for the deceased. They claim that they are "going to hell." This group also protests U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq. Again, really? Do you have to come here? I think just seeing the crash site is enough. Let it rest.

Okay, sorry for my rant, just had to put it out there. I guess this is why I write scifi and paranormal, I need to get out of this world.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Winner!!

2011-06-27T07:12:00.000-04:00

It's been a long weekend so I will make this short. I will also be posting a little later on something else, but I wanted to announce the winner of the signed copy of The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder.

**drumroll**

and the winner is:

chosen by random.org.

Did everyone have a nice weekend?

Oh, sorry. *ahem* and the winner is:

Theresa Milstein

Congrats, Theresa! I will be emailing you soon.

Thanks to everyone who entered!!

Have a great day!

End it.

2011-06-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

Ending a chapter isn't easy. I mean, you want the reader to read on, right? What's the best way to end it and how do you know when? I was reading a WD article on 3 Ways to end a chapter and found it interesting.

I tend to write a chapter with an ending in mind. Now, this may not be a normal way of doing things, especially while writing the first draft, but my mind is not the most normal. I've been told to write the first draft straight without worrying about breaks in chapters, which is hard for me. On this last project, I did a mixture of both. I think some folks do chapter breaks as part of their outline some say, no, concentrate on the structure. I think that's all up to what you feel is right for you.

Regardless of your method, ending a chapter the right way is a must. Like I said, you want the reader to continue.

One way: End it when the story requires a shift. A change of time, place, scene, weather, points of view all can end a chapter nicely, leaving you wanting to know what will happen next.
For example-- Rachel grabs her bag stuffed full of all her possessions. "Let's go," she says. We run to the car and drive down the street heading to nowhere. Okay, maybe not the best example.

Another way: End it in the middle of action. This is my favorite kind of chapter ending. It's like the dum dum dummmm. Leaving me wanting more and more.A good fight, chase scene, kissing scene, really killer dialogue, you get the idea.
For example-- The door swings open, Joe throws a fist at Tim, and blood splatters from his nose. Yeah. I'll turn the page wanting to know how that ended and why.
Another example that's even better-- I just finished reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (don't say a word, I'm behind, and yes, so awesome). One of her chapters ended like this, "Without hesistation, I shoot her through the heart." Okay, who doesn't want to read on?

What's your favorite way of ending a chapter?

Any other tidbits you would like to share?

Have a great weekend! I will reveal the winner of the Lipstick Laws contest on Monday.

When you become fluent in writing.

2011-06-22T07:57:00.000-04:00

I've written about this in a guide format seen here, but I have to say I've learned more, and quite frankly, it's like learning a second language. I would love to be fluent in German. I know a little to get me by, but I've heard from others, who are fluent, that you know the language when you dream in that language. Is that true for writing, absolutely. It doesn't mean you know everything, but you're getting it.

So, the big debate are you a writer or not? Is that what you call someone when they have the traits below?

1. You talk to yourself. I mean, you talk to your characters. Others may think you're talking to yourself.

2. You can see what tense you're writing in. Yep, just got this one. You know my battle with it, well after tons of practice, I'm getting it. I can actually see it. Whew.

3. You constantly think of ways to describe something. I tried for hours thinking of ways to describe smoke floating over water or how to descirbe a matchbox car. It doesn't matter what it is you just think of words and when you can write them. In between my thoughts, my kids try to interrupt, but I keep trying to think of words, blocking out their little voices. Hope they didn't ask me for something. Eek.

4. You rather write than eat. Okay, I still like to eat chocolate, but I will give it up to write. Why do I hear crickets?

5. You carry a journal with tons of stuff jammed in it for ideas. Could be pictures of things, sketches, maps, tons of notes, you get the idea. You may be more organized than me. That's fine too.

6.When you talk to your significant other, you know they're talking, but you develop a haze over your eyes thinking about that one scene that will rock your MS.

7. You have papercuts all over your fingers. Hmmm who am I talking about?

8. You look for your character in a crowd of people, hoping you can find someone that looks like your MC that's living and breathing. Yes, I'm talking about someone else--not me. I would never do this. He he. :)

9. Your best ideas come at the most inconvenient times. Totally stinks.

10. You make sure your emails are grammatically correct.

11. You look for the noun, verb, etc. in a recipe for cheescake. I'm just sayin'. You continually look for these things.

Of course, the most important thing that makes you a writer is ---you write and you love it.

Anything to add? Please do in the comments.

I actually got half way through the first draft of my MS, and I have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited for revisions. Strange.

Have a great day!

Build your World

2011-06-20T08:06:00.000-04:00

Don't forget my contest ends this Thursday. You still have time to enter.

Over the weekend, I watched Star Wars, Empires Strikes Back, and little bit of Return of the Jedi (Spike TV had a marathon). That's a lot of worlds and a lot of rules. It got me thinking about world building. I write a lot of science fiction and paranormal, in fact, I can't seem to focus on anything else. This requires a lot of world building. I hear you, "World building...what?" Yes, world building.

We, as humans, tend to associate everything to what we know. What is in our world and how is it relatable to what the author is trying to say? I have a couple of worlds that are not...earth, so, how do I get someone to read my story who is a human. I world build.

How do you start?

With many questions. Lots and lots of questions. Most of the answers may not ever be described in your MS. Can you imagine the world building for Harry Potter or The Hunger Games? Your reader needs get the idea of what the world is like and read it like your world is "normal" or could happen.

I'll start you off.

1. What is the atmosphere in your world? Weather? Any unique animals? Can humans live there? Is there water? Trees? Basically, what is the land like?

2. What type of beings live there? Are they like humans? How do they think? Are they magical? Any types of rituals? What language do they speak? What are their rules? Do they have a type of goverment?

3. Is the world a planet somewhere in space, or just something on another plane? Can a human travel there? If so, how?

4. Me, who loves to also add romance, asks these quetions. Can a human fall in love with one of these beings? Are there any "problems" if they do?

Now, this is only a small part of what you should go into. These questions are only meant as a starting point. Get detailed, and elaborate on the questions above. Take those questions further. Keep going. Farther than you may think you need to go.

Like I said before, the answers may not make to the MS, but you must know them to make it sound believable, and this knowledge also adds depth.

World building is not just for science fiction and paranormal writers. Fantasy, yes, but any genre really. Even if you are staying in this world make sure everything still applies. It's all from your characters point of view, so do they know what is going on around them? How do they see it? Do they know the rules? Ask youself the questions to be sure and get detailed. The more you know, the more believeable your story will be.

Here are some links to check out on the subject.

YA Highway--World Building.

Creating a Fantasy World--Sara Douglass

All About Books: World Building and You by guest blogger Gloria Oliver

If you want to add any linkage, please add them in the comments or if you have any tips or questions of your own to add, feel free to share.

Have a great day!