Contests:
Erica and Christy's awesome giveaway. You really have to check this out. The prizes are amazing. So go check it out. Ends June 20th. There is something for everyone.
Kelly from Kelly's Compositions is having a 200 followers giveaway. Go give her some love. Great, great prizes. I'm serious. There are surprises too. Ends June 24th.
Don't forget about my contest. A signed copy of Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder. Ends June 19th.
So, I did it. I finished my first draft of my second novel. It's funny to say that I actually have written two novels. Of course, they are in no shape to query, but I'll be working on that. After I finished the other night, I actually started writing the sequel to my first novel. I can't stop writing. It's a great feeling.
I know I have to wait at least a week before I can even look at my recent first draft to revise. It feels weird not writing because my head is constantly thinking of words. For example, I took my kids to Longwood Gardens ( a local attraction that has tons of trees, flowers, fountains, etc.). There is a childrens garden that contains a fountain with smoke that sits over the water (think medieval type look). I started thinking of ways to describe how the smoke moves across the water. I thought how can I fit this into a story. See, hard to stop.
The first draft needs to simmer, or should I say, cure like a fine wine. Okay, food is on my brain. But it does, it needs to sit so your creative juices get a new perspective. That way when you look at it again, it's seems new. Now it may taste a little different, so you may need to add some ingredients to make it even taste better.
So, what do you do. I should know, I've been at this stage before.
Here's what I came up with:
1. Clean the house. I really don't want to because I think I keep up with it, but some organizing should help.
2. Eat ice cream. Check that off, I did that yesterday.
3. Eat chocolate. I do this already.
4. Take up yoga. Maybe.
5. Write a query letter. Who am I kidding. I'm not sure I can do this with an unrevised manuscript. Thoughts?
6. New idea. I have about four brewing.
7. Start book 2 of WiP #1. I actually did when I finished my recent first draft. Maybe I should flesh it out.
8. Go to the beach. Fun.
9. Read, read and read. Make a dent in TBR pile. Possible.
10. Watch TV. I'm sure there are a couple of interesting shows on.
11. Gardening. No green thumb here.
12. Start running. Exercise is necessary but the tread mill is giving me a dirty look.
13. Write interesting blog posts, because let's face it they've been lacking, and I lost a few followers over the last couple of days. Still makes me sad when that happens.
Here's the deal. I have no idea how to fill the time. Maybe a combo of all of it.
What do you do when you're waiting for the first draft to simmer?
Have a great day!
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contests. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Contests, book release, and that tempting dangling participle.
First, check out these contests:
Afteglow Book Reviews is having a Summer Giveaway Ends June 10th. Lots of great books.
Get over to Laurel's Leaves. 333 contest is awesome!! Ends May 31st. She knows her stuff.
Frankie from Frankie Writes will be helping out All 4 Alabama Relief. You must go and bid on her and you have a chance at winning a Query + 30 page MS critique by Frankie. Trust me, she's good. The bidding started on Monday and will be active for five days.
Book release: South of Charm by Elliot Grace. If you have not been to Elliot's blog, go and check it out. I mean it. It is amazing and I'm sure his book will not disappoint. You can purchase South of Charm here.
Now onto the dangling participle, my quick grammar lesson, if you will. I sometimes blush when I say these two words, yes, blush. It's either the 14 year old in me or I've been conversing with Simon too much. Hypothetically (sorry, inside joke). Anyway, this sort of goes along with my -ing post I did a while back.
So let's start with a definition--Per wikipedia.
A dangling modifier, a specific case of which is the dangling participle,[1] is an error in sentence structure whereby a grammatical modifier is associated with a word other than the one intended, or with no particular word at all. For example, a writer may have meant to modify the subject, but word order makes the modifier seem to modify an object instead. Such ambiguities can lead to unintentional humor or difficulty in understanding a sentence.
For example: Running down the street, the houses looked the same.
Now, the houses are not running so obviously we're missing something. I think it would sound better this way--Running down the street, I noticed the houses looked the same.
Another one--Sliding into second, the crowd cheered.
I think this one needs a little work. As I slid into second, the crowd cheered.
These little things tend to tempt our WiPs, allowing them to sneak in without being noticed. So, when you revise keep an eye out for these buggers. They may sweet talk you, or tempt you, but you know better than to let them seduce your WiP.
What do you think? Are these dangling participles tempting your story? (yes, I blushed and maybe giggled.)
Please feel free to add anything in the comments, or if you would like me to elaborate more on this topic, I can in a future post.
Have a great day!
Afteglow Book Reviews is having a Summer Giveaway Ends June 10th. Lots of great books.
Get over to Laurel's Leaves. 333 contest is awesome!! Ends May 31st. She knows her stuff.
Frankie from Frankie Writes will be helping out All 4 Alabama Relief. You must go and bid on her and you have a chance at winning a Query + 30 page MS critique by Frankie. Trust me, she's good. The bidding started on Monday and will be active for five days.
Book release: South of Charm by Elliot Grace. If you have not been to Elliot's blog, go and check it out. I mean it. It is amazing and I'm sure his book will not disappoint. You can purchase South of Charm here.
Now onto the dangling participle, my quick grammar lesson, if you will. I sometimes blush when I say these two words, yes, blush. It's either the 14 year old in me or I've been conversing with Simon too much. Hypothetically (sorry, inside joke). Anyway, this sort of goes along with my -ing post I did a while back.
So let's start with a definition--Per wikipedia.
A dangling modifier, a specific case of which is the dangling participle,[1] is an error in sentence structure whereby a grammatical modifier is associated with a word other than the one intended, or with no particular word at all. For example, a writer may have meant to modify the subject, but word order makes the modifier seem to modify an object instead. Such ambiguities can lead to unintentional humor or difficulty in understanding a sentence.
For example: Running down the street, the houses looked the same.
Now, the houses are not running so obviously we're missing something. I think it would sound better this way--Running down the street, I noticed the houses looked the same.
Another one--Sliding into second, the crowd cheered.
I think this one needs a little work. As I slid into second, the crowd cheered.
These little things tend to tempt our WiPs, allowing them to sneak in without being noticed. So, when you revise keep an eye out for these buggers. They may sweet talk you, or tempt you, but you know better than to let them seduce your WiP.
What do you think? Are these dangling participles tempting your story? (yes, I blushed and maybe giggled.)
Please feel free to add anything in the comments, or if you would like me to elaborate more on this topic, I can in a future post.
Have a great day!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Fun Facts Friday
I have a couple of contests:
The lovely Jessica Bell has reached 400 followers and she is having an awesome contest. Go check it out Ends December 2nd.
The fab Kimberly Franklin is giving away a signed copy of The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney. Ends December 1st.
1. My week did start out slow. I get scared when that happens because I'm afraid I've lost all creativity and it will not return. A common daymare of mine (instead of a nightmare). I think about it a lot and it scares me.
2. My daughter thinks Smarties (a hard candy) make you smarter if you eat them everyday. It really is her just using manipulating skills.
3. On the other hand, my son keeps mentioning a wheel store. I finally figured it out. A chain here, known as Target, their logo is a bullseye and apparently makes him think of a wheel. Boys only have cars on the brain.
4. To make my week better, I looked back at how much I have revised on WiP #1 since August-- 35,000 words. I did feel a little better. It shows me how far I've come in a year and a half. Trust me, it's much better than it was when I started. I know these 35,000 words will have to be revised again before line edits, but I'm heading in the right direction.
5. It made me feel so good that I wrote 2,000 words yesterday (a new chapter) and revised 1,000 more.
6. I plan to do Writing the Next Line on November 24th. Mark your calenders.
7. Tune in next Thursday November 11th. I'll be reviewing Perilous by Tamara Hart Heitner.
8. Even when you feel alone on this journey, you're not. Blogging buddies and CPs will always pick you up and make you feel awesome. Thanks guys.
9. I need to catch up on 30 Rock. I love DVR.
10. The worst chore for me is ironing. I really, really dislike it. I hold out as long as I can. Which is bad because the pile is huge.
11. Kids really do love boxes that the toys come in. They also tend to love catalogs. My kids have Lego catalogs from the Lego store in Munich. They continue to look through them even though pages are missing and the edges are torn. We got them back in July. Why I think buying toys is silly.
Not much went on folks. How was your week? Any weekend plans?
Have a great weekend!!
The lovely Jessica Bell has reached 400 followers and she is having an awesome contest. Go check it out Ends December 2nd.
The fab Kimberly Franklin is giving away a signed copy of The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney. Ends December 1st.
1. My week did start out slow. I get scared when that happens because I'm afraid I've lost all creativity and it will not return. A common daymare of mine (instead of a nightmare). I think about it a lot and it scares me.
2. My daughter thinks Smarties (a hard candy) make you smarter if you eat them everyday. It really is her just using manipulating skills.
3. On the other hand, my son keeps mentioning a wheel store. I finally figured it out. A chain here, known as Target, their logo is a bullseye and apparently makes him think of a wheel. Boys only have cars on the brain.
4. To make my week better, I looked back at how much I have revised on WiP #1 since August-- 35,000 words. I did feel a little better. It shows me how far I've come in a year and a half. Trust me, it's much better than it was when I started. I know these 35,000 words will have to be revised again before line edits, but I'm heading in the right direction.
5. It made me feel so good that I wrote 2,000 words yesterday (a new chapter) and revised 1,000 more.
6. I plan to do Writing the Next Line on November 24th. Mark your calenders.
7. Tune in next Thursday November 11th. I'll be reviewing Perilous by Tamara Hart Heitner.
8. Even when you feel alone on this journey, you're not. Blogging buddies and CPs will always pick you up and make you feel awesome. Thanks guys.
9. I need to catch up on 30 Rock. I love DVR.
10. The worst chore for me is ironing. I really, really dislike it. I hold out as long as I can. Which is bad because the pile is huge.
11. Kids really do love boxes that the toys come in. They also tend to love catalogs. My kids have Lego catalogs from the Lego store in Munich. They continue to look through them even though pages are missing and the edges are torn. We got them back in July. Why I think buying toys is silly.
Not much went on folks. How was your week? Any weekend plans?
Have a great weekend!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Writing the Next Line Recap
Don't forget my contest ends Friday September 17th.
Alexandra Crocodile is hosting a contest--some cool stuff to be had. Check it out!
Laurel from Laurel's Leaves is hosting a contest --Too, oh too cool contest. Ends September 19th.
Here is the recap of Writing the Next Line. I posted a short piece and you guys added to the story. This is awesome. You guys always do so well. You would think we like writing or something.
The authors--Theresa Milstein,Kelly Lyman, Amie McCracken,Piedmont Writer , Matthew Rush, Erica Mitchell-Spickard, Talli Roland, Amie B, Kat O'Keeffe, Jen
I pushed the scraper against the wall trying to lift a corner of the ugly brown flower wallpaper.
I applied more pressure to the handle."I swear this is never going to come off."
"It will, you just have to use your muscles." Ryan laughed.
"Thanks for helping me, but I don't need you giving me orders." I squinted, pointing the scraper at him.
Ryan shook his head smiling. "Can I try?"
"Sure. Let's see your muscles flex." I teased.
He took the scraper from my hand and pressed it into the wall. The edge of the blade scratched the surface of the paper. He grunted, pushing the small tool harder into the wall.
"I think I got some." He gritted through his teeth.
"Don't hurt yourself." I smiled.
"Uh oh." He stepped back as plaster crumbled to the floor. When the dust cleared a large hole formed.
"Uh oh is right." I looked over at him, his eyes wide in surprise.
"I'm sorry, Abby. I'll fix it." He scratched his head.
I glanced back at the hole, squinting, because I couldn't believe my eyes. "Is that a small door?"
Ryan tilted his body forward, which almost made him tip over because of his crouched position. "Yeah, it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland."
We looked at one another. Without saying a word, we used our hands to remove the plaster, which easily disintegrated like dismantling a sand sculpture.
He lifted a bottle at the base of the door, his mouth agape. Reading the label "Drink Me", I murmured, "Abby in Wonderland."
I shrugged my shoulders and raised the bottle to my lips. With my head titled back and eyes shut tight, I swallowed the thick, bitter liquid.
Within seconds, my world changed.
Ryan was shrinking away from me. I held my hand out to him, but he looked past me like I wasn't even there.
The room spun and a kaleidoscope of color surrounded me. I reached out blindly for Ryan but I couldn't seem to find him.
My perception flipped inside out and suddenly I was looking at myself ... from outside myself. Ryan was staring at me, with a terrified look on his face.
Then my consciousness returned to my body and Ryan calmed down as the plaster around the hole continued to crumble at an alarming pace.
Another message began to reveal itself in the plaster. I had enough time to read it before it crumbled away.
My eyes filled with tears as the message fell to the floor. Ryan looked terrified. We had to make a decision. Fast.
I grabbed Ryan's hand and pulled him through the tiny opening. The rough door-way scraped my shoulders but I forced us through. Inside, it was musty, dark and warm.
It smelled like mushrooms. Which made me really hungry for some pizza.
God, I would've killed for some pizza. Cheesy, melty, fresh-from-the-oven pizza...
Where was I? Oh, right. I walked through the tunnel, quickening my pace when I saw a flicker of light up ahead.
Following the flicker of light I could feel Ryan trembling, not exactly a place I wanted to be where we were both frightened.
Beautiful colors shaped as we walked, a path of tiles, I only wondered where it would lead.
Have a great day!
Alexandra Crocodile is hosting a contest--some cool stuff to be had. Check it out!
Laurel from Laurel's Leaves is hosting a contest --Too, oh too cool contest. Ends September 19th.
Here is the recap of Writing the Next Line. I posted a short piece and you guys added to the story. This is awesome. You guys always do so well. You would think we like writing or something.
The authors--Theresa Milstein,Kelly Lyman, Amie McCracken,Piedmont Writer , Matthew Rush, Erica Mitchell-Spickard, Talli Roland, Amie B, Kat O'Keeffe, Jen
I pushed the scraper against the wall trying to lift a corner of the ugly brown flower wallpaper.
I applied more pressure to the handle."I swear this is never going to come off."
"It will, you just have to use your muscles." Ryan laughed.
"Thanks for helping me, but I don't need you giving me orders." I squinted, pointing the scraper at him.
Ryan shook his head smiling. "Can I try?"
"Sure. Let's see your muscles flex." I teased.
He took the scraper from my hand and pressed it into the wall. The edge of the blade scratched the surface of the paper. He grunted, pushing the small tool harder into the wall.
"I think I got some." He gritted through his teeth.
"Don't hurt yourself." I smiled.
"Uh oh." He stepped back as plaster crumbled to the floor. When the dust cleared a large hole formed.
"Uh oh is right." I looked over at him, his eyes wide in surprise.
"I'm sorry, Abby. I'll fix it." He scratched his head.
I glanced back at the hole, squinting, because I couldn't believe my eyes. "Is that a small door?"
Ryan tilted his body forward, which almost made him tip over because of his crouched position. "Yeah, it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland."
We looked at one another. Without saying a word, we used our hands to remove the plaster, which easily disintegrated like dismantling a sand sculpture.
He lifted a bottle at the base of the door, his mouth agape. Reading the label "Drink Me", I murmured, "Abby in Wonderland."
I shrugged my shoulders and raised the bottle to my lips. With my head titled back and eyes shut tight, I swallowed the thick, bitter liquid.
Within seconds, my world changed.
Ryan was shrinking away from me. I held my hand out to him, but he looked past me like I wasn't even there.
The room spun and a kaleidoscope of color surrounded me. I reached out blindly for Ryan but I couldn't seem to find him.
My perception flipped inside out and suddenly I was looking at myself ... from outside myself. Ryan was staring at me, with a terrified look on his face.
Then my consciousness returned to my body and Ryan calmed down as the plaster around the hole continued to crumble at an alarming pace.
Another message began to reveal itself in the plaster. I had enough time to read it before it crumbled away.
My eyes filled with tears as the message fell to the floor. Ryan looked terrified. We had to make a decision. Fast.
I grabbed Ryan's hand and pulled him through the tiny opening. The rough door-way scraped my shoulders but I forced us through. Inside, it was musty, dark and warm.
It smelled like mushrooms. Which made me really hungry for some pizza.
God, I would've killed for some pizza. Cheesy, melty, fresh-from-the-oven pizza...
Where was I? Oh, right. I walked through the tunnel, quickening my pace when I saw a flicker of light up ahead.
Following the flicker of light I could feel Ryan trembling, not exactly a place I wanted to be where we were both frightened.
Beautiful colors shaped as we walked, a path of tiles, I only wondered where it would lead.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Does your day balance? and a reminder.
Thanks for all your advice on Monday. I'm thinking about the title of WiP #1 and some ideas are flowing.A funny thing is happening with the chapter I wrote in my other MC's POV. This baby may set my head spinning because I may be writing more chapters from his perspective and mixing them in. My god! Does it ever end? You're sick of me talking about this--I know.
Balance and schedules. We all deal with this on daily basis. I had written a long winded post about this and --well--I saw so many other posts that were written so much better. I have been struggling with this subject ove the past few months and I think I'm getting to some sort of balance by coming up with a schedule. I'll try and clean my post up and put it up next week. I'm not quitting, I'm just tired. Little guy is not sleeping again. Sorry.
So here are a few posts I have read that have stuck with me.Check them out!
Ali Cross-Post on scheduling. This girl rocks. I don't know how she does it. Her post is really great.
Roni Griffin--Post on balance. Something I battle with everyday. Yes, she is awesome.
Crystal Cook--Post on time management. This is from about a month ago but it has stuck with me. Crystal is awsome.
***Don't forget Writing the Next Line is Friday, September 3rd. It's fun-- more of a writing exercise.***
Here are some sessions from the past:
Session 1 Recap
Session 2 Recap
Session 3 Recap part 1 and Recap part 2
Please tell your friends it will be fun.
A contest to check out-- Kathi Oram Peterson--The Stone Traveler blog tour contest Ends September 30th.
Neat prizes including a Kindle.
Another contest by the lovely Theresa Milstein It is her one year blogiversary. She is giving away a signed copy of Mockingjay. Yeah, you heard me. Theresa walked in 103 degree heat for this people --get over there. Ends September 6th.
And yes, I'm planning a simple little contest because you guys rock. So, stay tuned.
I guess this is more of a mid week wrap up for me. Have a great day!
Balance and schedules. We all deal with this on daily basis. I had written a long winded post about this and --well--I saw so many other posts that were written so much better. I have been struggling with this subject ove the past few months and I think I'm getting to some sort of balance by coming up with a schedule. I'll try and clean my post up and put it up next week. I'm not quitting, I'm just tired. Little guy is not sleeping again. Sorry.
So here are a few posts I have read that have stuck with me.Check them out!
Ali Cross-Post on scheduling. This girl rocks. I don't know how she does it. Her post is really great.
Roni Griffin--Post on balance. Something I battle with everyday. Yes, she is awesome.
Crystal Cook--Post on time management. This is from about a month ago but it has stuck with me. Crystal is awsome.
***Don't forget Writing the Next Line is Friday, September 3rd. It's fun-- more of a writing exercise.***
Here are some sessions from the past:
Session 1 Recap
Session 2 Recap
Session 3 Recap part 1 and Recap part 2
Please tell your friends it will be fun.
A contest to check out-- Kathi Oram Peterson--The Stone Traveler blog tour contest Ends September 30th.
Neat prizes including a Kindle.
Another contest by the lovely Theresa Milstein It is her one year blogiversary. She is giving away a signed copy of Mockingjay. Yeah, you heard me. Theresa walked in 103 degree heat for this people --get over there. Ends September 6th.
And yes, I'm planning a simple little contest because you guys rock. So, stay tuned.
I guess this is more of a mid week wrap up for me. Have a great day!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Weekend.
Well, Saturday was a fun day for me. My car battery was replaced, the hubs sent me flowers and I went to the PAYA festival in my town. It was way cool. I hope they plan to do this again next year. I didn't get a chance to make it to the critique sessions in the morning but I heard they were great.
I did buy books which I am now admitting to myself that I have a wicked book addiction, but it was for a good cause. I have to say, I was a little nervous to go. I did get the shakes and my hands got a little sweaty. I've never met a published author face to face before and I wasn't sure of the proper etiquette on getting a book signed. What do I say? How do I approach?But once I got there, everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming.
I got to meet these lovely ladies/fabulous authors--Dianne K. Salerni, Cyn Balog, Jennifer Murgia, and Shelena Shorts.Here is a list of who was there. PAYA website.
There were great prizes too. Yes, I bought chances and I won a book with all the goodies to go along with it.
Much fun was had and like I said I hope they do it again next year.
So, I must mention some more contests that are running. There are so many. Lots of goodies.
Carol from Carolina's Prints-- The gal who rocks and has an array of amazing ARCs,that may make my head explode. Ends September 6th. Tell her I sent you.
New Blogger buddy-- Amie Borst is having a contest. Some of the books she is giving away are by authors I was lucky enough to meet at PAYA. Ends August 31st.
I can't remember if I mentioned this before--Christine H is having a 100 follower contest. Ends August 27th and a Rainy Day Blogfest on August 25th. Go Christine.
I'm thinking of starting Writing the Next Line again. I plan to post it September 3rd. So be here. :)Thank you to everyone who commented on my entry for the fun blogfest last week.
My writing schedule is going well. I have been following it the best I can. It's funny, I'm a happier person when I can accomplish some good writing time.
How do you feel after some good writing time?
How was your weekend?
Have a great day!
I did buy books which I am now admitting to myself that I have a wicked book addiction, but it was for a good cause. I have to say, I was a little nervous to go. I did get the shakes and my hands got a little sweaty. I've never met a published author face to face before and I wasn't sure of the proper etiquette on getting a book signed. What do I say? How do I approach?But once I got there, everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming.
I got to meet these lovely ladies/fabulous authors--Dianne K. Salerni, Cyn Balog, Jennifer Murgia, and Shelena Shorts.Here is a list of who was there. PAYA website.
There were great prizes too. Yes, I bought chances and I won a book with all the goodies to go along with it.
Much fun was had and like I said I hope they do it again next year.
So, I must mention some more contests that are running. There are so many. Lots of goodies.
Carol from Carolina's Prints-- The gal who rocks and has an array of amazing ARCs,that may make my head explode. Ends September 6th. Tell her I sent you.
New Blogger buddy-- Amie Borst is having a contest. Some of the books she is giving away are by authors I was lucky enough to meet at PAYA. Ends August 31st.
I can't remember if I mentioned this before--Christine H is having a 100 follower contest. Ends August 27th and a Rainy Day Blogfest on August 25th. Go Christine.
I'm thinking of starting Writing the Next Line again. I plan to post it September 3rd. So be here. :)Thank you to everyone who commented on my entry for the fun blogfest last week.
My writing schedule is going well. I have been following it the best I can. It's funny, I'm a happier person when I can accomplish some good writing time.
How do you feel after some good writing time?
How was your weekend?
Have a great day!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Check this out!
In my route to catch up, I have been writing so it's a good thing. I also have been sucked into all these new contests though.
So I will give one last post of contests for the week. Sorry to bore you but I couldn't help but share.
To my dearest Alexandra--I would love to win one of the totally awesome books you are giving away. I need to escape my world of cartoons, sticky fingers, Barbie video games and high pitch whining voices. My mind needs to be cleared and allowed to go on vacation to a world that is not familiar, a world without (2) small monsters that for some reason call me "mom". :) Go check out this contest ends July 27th.
Carolina is also having a contest --she is giving away seven, that's right, seven ARCs ends August 9th. Tell her I sent you.
Sara McClung is also giving away ARCs so get over there. Ends August 6th --tell her I sent you.
Kathi at Kathi's Writing Nook is having a First Sightings Contest for the release of her new book The Stone Traveler. Check it out!
If you haven't seen this already--Alex J. Cavanaugh released his book trailer for Cassastar. Check it out!
There you go! I will give it a break now. :) Have a great day!
So I will give one last post of contests for the week. Sorry to bore you but I couldn't help but share.
To my dearest Alexandra--I would love to win one of the totally awesome books you are giving away. I need to escape my world of cartoons, sticky fingers, Barbie video games and high pitch whining voices. My mind needs to be cleared and allowed to go on vacation to a world that is not familiar, a world without (2) small monsters that for some reason call me "mom". :) Go check out this contest ends July 27th.
Carolina is also having a contest --she is giving away seven, that's right, seven ARCs ends August 9th. Tell her I sent you.
Sara McClung is also giving away ARCs so get over there. Ends August 6th --tell her I sent you.
Kathi at Kathi's Writing Nook is having a First Sightings Contest for the release of her new book The Stone Traveler. Check it out!
If you haven't seen this already--Alex J. Cavanaugh released his book trailer for Cassastar. Check it out!
There you go! I will give it a break now. :) Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Links and stuff.
So as you know I've been out of the loop. I think many of us have. It's summer so distractions are all around.
I caught a few links I wanted to share. Most of you may already know about these so forgive me.
First,I want to congratulate Kaitlyn McCane for getting this cute little number published in SCBWI Magazine.
I'm now a member so I can't wait to get my copy. So go congratulate her.
Speaking of SCBWI-- the Philly conference is on September 25th. Check out their site for details. Go to local chapters.
A cool little festival (if you are a PA resident). Bringing more YA to PA takes place August 21st. Check out the site here. It takes place in my town--yeah (near Philly). Also check out Dianne Salerni's site too.
Don't forget WriteOnCon August 10th-12th.
I got my eye on a number of contests. You guys most likely already know about these but I'll post them anyway.
Abby Annis is having a 200 follower giveaway ends July 31st.
Kimberly Franklin is giving away The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.
The fab blogger/writer Jen from unedited is giving away a copy of Linger by Maggie Steifvater. She is going to interview her too. What a lucky girl! I swear there are about 100 Jens because this girl is everywhere. Ends July 25th.
Candyland is hosting an amazing contest with amazing prizes ends July 31st. So cool!
So since I've been out of the loop please let me know of things I missed I will place in my sidebar.
Hope you guys are having a great day!
I caught a few links I wanted to share. Most of you may already know about these so forgive me.
First,I want to congratulate Kaitlyn McCane for getting this cute little number published in SCBWI Magazine.
Speaking of SCBWI-- the Philly conference is on September 25th. Check out their site for details. Go to local chapters.
A cool little festival (if you are a PA resident). Bringing more YA to PA takes place August 21st. Check out the site here. It takes place in my town--yeah (near Philly). Also check out Dianne Salerni's site too.
Don't forget WriteOnCon August 10th-12th.
I got my eye on a number of contests. You guys most likely already know about these but I'll post them anyway.
Abby Annis is having a 200 follower giveaway ends July 31st.
Kimberly Franklin is giving away The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.
The fab blogger/writer Jen from unedited is giving away a copy of Linger by Maggie Steifvater. She is going to interview her too. What a lucky girl! I swear there are about 100 Jens because this girl is everywhere. Ends July 25th.
Candyland is hosting an amazing contest with amazing prizes ends July 31st. So cool!
So since I've been out of the loop please let me know of things I missed I will place in my sidebar.
Hope you guys are having a great day!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Show n Tell. Oh, contests and blogfest.
A few of you have posted on this recently too. I'm learning how to show vs. tell. I think I'm getting there--my CPs say so. I write in first person so this is crucial to my writing. It definately makes a difference. Drawing the reader in, making your characters real.
I tried to remember that lovely classroom lesson of show n tell.
You show what you will tell about.
You stand up in front of the class.
Shaking slightly.
A cough comes from the back row.
Your heart thumps in your ear as dozens of sparkling eyes lay upon you.
Waiting.
You hold up the floppy stuffed animal like a trophy.
Then after the kids eww and ahh about it ...you tell. This is my dog spot. He has white and black fuzzy fur. He can bark. He also needs a bath because he smells funny. My brother tries to eat him and says he tastes like plastic. I love my dog, he's my best friend.
What happens when you show it? You the owner hold it up to the class letting them see the object (let's say the stuffed dog). The class will observe- noting the texture (touch), color, sound (if it barks in which it would require batteries), taste (some kids do this--just sayin') and smell. That's right the five senses. So how would you write this?
A deep musty smell traveled up my nostrils as I rolled over. I pulled my best friend from under me.
"Good morning, Spot."
Squeezing my little companion, a plastic taste filled my mouth as a bunch of fur blanketed my tongue.
Wiping the hair from my tongue, I cringed. "Yuck. blah."
"You bad dog you." Spot stared back leaving no expression but let out a light bark.
"Oh no. Mom needs to change your batteries." I scratched the scruffy fur behind his ear.
"Mom! I need new batteries for Spot," I yelled.
My mom opened my door. "You don't have to yell, sweetie. I'll check and see if we have any." She gently picked up the fuzzy beast. "I'll also have to throw Spot in the laundry. His white fur almost matches his black spots."
I'm sure this isn't the best example. Probably pretty crude and my little kid sounds a little more adult. I guess that's why I write YA. Forgive me if I made a mistake. I also put it in a different setting--again I'm not a certified teacher but I hope you get the idea.
Please check out these posts on showing and telling as well as dealing with writing senses.
Erica Mitchell Spickard -about writing about the senses.
This fantastic post by the lovely Lola Sharp. I think she explains this much better than I did. Please check it out!!
Contests:
Karen G is having a contest. Ends June 1st. Pay it Forward contest. Really cool.
B. Miller is having a Pay it Forward contest ending June 1st. Actually, she started it. Go check it out--it's awesome.
Christi Goddard-106 followers contest. Write a 500 word story and you can win an awesome prize. Ends June 15th.
Frankie at Frankie Writes-Having a 500 follower contest. Lots of signed books. If you go there tell her I sent you. Ends June 6th.
Blogfest:
Michelle Gregory is holding a blogfest July 1st. The Share your Darlings Blogfest. Check it out!
Have a great day! Have a great Memorial Day!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Awards and Contests!
First of all I'm sad. I lost a fellow blogger buddy. I don't know where they went or why. I don't know what I did. So, sorry if I offended you. I'm also sorry if I haven't visited your blog lately. I have a lot on my plate and some things must be put on the back burner. I have not commented as much as I would like but with revisions and critiques---well they come first. It's not that I don't love you guys, I have goals that I must meet. I will be visiting as many blogs as I can soon with comments. So that said-- on with a fun post.
I have gotten some lovely awards from some sweet bloggers. I'm trying to figure out a filmstrip type display to show these awards but I haven't sat down and figured it out yet. If you have any pointers let me know. I would love to give these awards to all of you but I had to pick some people. :)
The first award is from E. Elle. The Sweet Blog award. Please go check out her blog. She is so honest and well just awesome. I love her new blog look too.
The lovely Susan Fields passed on the A is for Awesome award. She is awesome so go check out her blog.
Contests You must check out!!!!
Carol's Prints--The lovely Carolina is having a contest ending May 26th
SarahJayne--Writing in the Wilderness --TGIF Contest ending April 30th
Simon From Constant Revision-- Pretty epic and you must write a flash fiction piece. Ends May 8th
Well that is all for today. Have a great day!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Awards and news.
Sorry for the delay on this. I have some awards to acknowledge and sorry if some of you have these already. I think I need to find one of those filmstrip things to display the awards in my sidebar. If anyone knows how to do this please fill me in. Everyone deserves these wonderful awards because you all are awesome but I had to narrow it down.
Thanks to Crystal Cook for the Superior Scribbler award.
The award goes to:
2. Tess Hilmo
3. AJ Frey
4. Lilah Pierce
Thanks to Kimberly Franklin for the Blogger Buddie award.
The award goes to:
5. Karen G
8. Shelley Sly
9. E. Elle
10. Talli Roland
Thank you to Nicole Ducleroir, Lindsey from Dangerous with a Pen and Jen at unedited gave me this interesting award. All of them are really awesome and very talented writers. This award was created by Christi Goddard and the rules:
The rules:
1. Choose five followers/commenters that 'get' you2. Write something fake (preferably not too mean) about them
3. Link to them, and link back to this post to comment your receipt of the award
Here they are:
1. Roxy from a Woman's Write-She is a stunt motorcycle driver who races on the side. You may see her many talents in a variety of James Bond movies. How else would she know Daniel Craig?
2. Kelly at Kelly's Compositions- Kelly is really has an amazing super power. She can truly focus on five different projects at the same time and they all turn out brilliantly.
3. Crystal at write because you must-Crystal is a innocent housewife by day and a secret spy at night. She travels the world with her muse defeating evil in the dark shadows.
4. Jen at unedited-Is actually Princess Adelina from the underwater kingdom of Odessonia. Yes folks, she's a mermaid.
5. Kimberly Franklin-Kimberly is a famous interior designer. What? You have not heard of her? Please check out her site to see her amazing work. ;) Ohh and she is secretly trying to steal my best friend--you may know him as Edward.
How fun was this! A couple things to check out:
Roxy is posting a contest today.
Get over to the Beta Club at Fiction Groupie. Do some critiquing.
Don't forget First Page Blogfest tomorrow--Check out the details at Kelly's Compostitions.
A big Thank you to Karen G for her flattering post about me. Thanks Karen. :)
Don't forget about my contest. Click here for details.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Contests and awards.
Thanks for all your comments yesterday. It made me feel a little less paranoid. Today, I will try and be brief. I have almost finished revising my first three chapters so I must go and finish that today and I have some critiquing to do. Don't forget to get over to Roni at Fiction Groupie for the Beta Club--open critique.
First contests:
Frankie at Frankie Writes- Celebrating 400 followers --Go Frankie! Giving away cool stuff. Go tell her I sent you. ends 3/30
Laurel at Laurel's Leaves- Eleventy one celebration--Go Laurel! Great prizes and an awesome writing contest ends 4/4
Karen-Novels During Naptime-101 Followers contest--Beautiful prizes--ends 4/17
Jen at Unedited- Birthday and 300 followers contest! Go Jen! She is giving away (3) Amazon gift cards. Ends 3/29.
Falen Forms Fiction-100 followers contest. Writing contest. Three winners will be picked for some great prizes. Ends 3/29.
Next, I have questions from my blog post last week from Jennifer Shirk -Me, My Muse and I
How long have you been writing? 10 years
Do you belong to a critique group? Yes. All of my CPs are awesome.
Are you agented, and if not, who is/are your dream agent/agents? I do not have an agent but would love one. I do not have any dream agent/agents at the moment.
What's the best YA book you've recently read? hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. ohhh Patch :)
Are you really sure you don't like coffee? :) Oh yes I do not like coffee. I don't like the smell or the taste of it. I am a wacky gal. I do love tea and hot chocolate.
Thanks Jennifer for the questions:)
Melissa from Chasing Dreams asked : What will you be doing in five years? I hope to be writing and hopefully have an agent.
I received (2) awards last week so I am going to hand those out.
Thanks to Talli Roland (Who is super sweet) for the Sugar Doll Award. I love sweet things that is for sure.
Thanks To Susan Fields for the Prolific Blogger Award. Its inscription, "By definition, a prolific blogger 'is one who is intellectually productive...keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.'" I didn't know I did this but I am glad you think I do.
First contests:
Frankie at Frankie Writes- Celebrating 400 followers --Go Frankie! Giving away cool stuff. Go tell her I sent you. ends 3/30
Laurel at Laurel's Leaves- Eleventy one celebration--Go Laurel! Great prizes and an awesome writing contest ends 4/4
Karen-Novels During Naptime-101 Followers contest--Beautiful prizes--ends 4/17
Jen at Unedited- Birthday and 300 followers contest! Go Jen! She is giving away (3) Amazon gift cards. Ends 3/29.
Falen Forms Fiction-100 followers contest. Writing contest. Three winners will be picked for some great prizes. Ends 3/29.
Next, I have questions from my blog post last week from Jennifer Shirk -Me, My Muse and I
How long have you been writing? 10 years
Do you belong to a critique group? Yes. All of my CPs are awesome.
Are you agented, and if not, who is/are your dream agent/agents? I do not have an agent but would love one. I do not have any dream agent/agents at the moment.
What's the best YA book you've recently read? hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. ohhh Patch :)
Are you really sure you don't like coffee? :) Oh yes I do not like coffee. I don't like the smell or the taste of it. I am a wacky gal. I do love tea and hot chocolate.
Thanks Jennifer for the questions:)
Melissa from Chasing Dreams asked : What will you be doing in five years? I hope to be writing and hopefully have an agent.
I received (2) awards last week so I am going to hand those out.
Thanks to Talli Roland (Who is super sweet) for the Sugar Doll Award. I love sweet things that is for sure.
I have to give this to five people:
Thanks To Susan Fields for the Prolific Blogger Award. Its inscription, "By definition, a prolific blogger 'is one who is intellectually productive...keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.'" I didn't know I did this but I am glad you think I do.
I pass this on to four people.
I also got tagged to make a boyfriend book by Jen at Uneditied. I will do this on another post. I am taking my time on it. :)
Have a great day folks!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Contest post.
Thanks for all your comments yesterday. I love SNIS thanks Frankie.
O.k. folks I know I am only posting M/W/F but I had to do a contest post.
Get over to Kelly's (Kelly Compositions) for her 100 follower contest. Prizes--Book (How to write the Breakout Novel, gift card and journal (really nice). Tell her I sent you :) Go Kelly!
Get over to Chimera Critiques- Go to their site and enter to win a gift card and an in depth critique.
Twilight fans--get your butt over to Kimberly Franklin and Kristi from Random Daily Thoughts to enter for some Twilight lovlies. Ahhh... can't wait till Eclipse.
I will do my award and meme post later in the week. I have to go wrangle some kiddos. My son is the next Evil Kinevil. I am not sure I spelled that right. I also have to get crackin' on my revisions. Ian and Anna are getting upset again. I know this is premature but I am thinking of a contest for 100 followers so when I get there I hope I make you folks happy:)
Have a great day!
O.k. folks I know I am only posting M/W/F but I had to do a contest post.
Get over to Kelly's (Kelly Compositions) for her 100 follower contest. Prizes--Book (How to write the Breakout Novel, gift card and journal (really nice). Tell her I sent you :) Go Kelly!
Get over to Chimera Critiques- Go to their site and enter to win a gift card and an in depth critique.
Twilight fans--get your butt over to Kimberly Franklin and Kristi from Random Daily Thoughts to enter for some Twilight lovlies. Ahhh... can't wait till Eclipse.
I will do my award and meme post later in the week. I have to go wrangle some kiddos. My son is the next Evil Kinevil. I am not sure I spelled that right. I also have to get crackin' on my revisions. Ian and Anna are getting upset again. I know this is premature but I am thinking of a contest for 100 followers so when I get there I hope I make you folks happy:)
Have a great day!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Other forms of media.
So who missed me yesterday? I was commenting but had to do some revisions to my baby and the kids are sick again so I have not been sleeping. I also joined a book club, so I was trying to finish the book. I talk more about that on Friday. I have made a decision that I am going to try and post three days a week. If I post more--yeah-- but I need to really concentrate on my revisions plus I thought I would have more time to come up with some awesome posts. I will try and comment everyday though. So you haven't gotten rid of me yet :)
Some contest info:
Check out a cool contest on Elana Johnson's blog--great books will be given away.
Another contest on Shooting Stars (Bethany and Suzette)-lots of cool prizes.
The photo has nothing to do with this post but I liked it.
Here is something I have been wondering about and Jody Hedlund did an interesting post on this on Monday. She was so nice to respond to me. Thanks Jody! The adventures of every form of media to get yourself out there. Where to begin and what forms to choose? I was not a person to talk about myself what so ever and now--well-- I can't seem to shut up. I have e-mail, a Facebook page, joined Teen Fire and YALitChat but there is more. When and should I join Twitter and start a web page about myself? I see others have all of this but is it too much and when is the right time? So, I will focus on the two I don't have. The whole post is mainly questions because I would like to know about this stuff. Anyway, let me stop the babble and move on before you skip over this post entirely.
Twitter--When is the best time to join this group?
Do you think that it has helped you?
I guess I am wondering what is it? Is it just another form of Facebook? (Not trying to sound naive or dare I say it ...old).
Should I consider getting involved in something like this?
Web page--Now is this something I should be looking into too?
I just finished my first draft and I am revising like crazy but should I consider a web page now?
I noticed many of you have one but I was not sure if there is a right time to do this?
I am looking for feedback on this so in advance --thanks. I am serious about my writing and hope to find an agent and get published (one day). I am just looking to see what the masses thought of these forms of media and if I should wait on joining/starting these new ventures.
BTW- I will say it again, I do read all your comments and thank you for all your feedback from Monday's post. It helps so much. I think I may put up a little disclaimer in my sidebar to say-- I am sorry I may not get to answer your comments but I do read them.:)
Have a great day!
Some contest info:
Check out a cool contest on Elana Johnson's blog--great books will be given away.
Another contest on Shooting Stars (Bethany and Suzette)-lots of cool prizes.
Here is something I have been wondering about and Jody Hedlund did an interesting post on this on Monday. She was so nice to respond to me. Thanks Jody! The adventures of every form of media to get yourself out there. Where to begin and what forms to choose? I was not a person to talk about myself what so ever and now--well-- I can't seem to shut up. I have e-mail, a Facebook page, joined Teen Fire and YALitChat but there is more. When and should I join Twitter and start a web page about myself? I see others have all of this but is it too much and when is the right time? So, I will focus on the two I don't have. The whole post is mainly questions because I would like to know about this stuff. Anyway, let me stop the babble and move on before you skip over this post entirely.
Twitter--When is the best time to join this group?
Do you think that it has helped you?
I guess I am wondering what is it? Is it just another form of Facebook? (Not trying to sound naive or dare I say it ...old).
Should I consider getting involved in something like this?
Web page--Now is this something I should be looking into too?
I just finished my first draft and I am revising like crazy but should I consider a web page now?
I noticed many of you have one but I was not sure if there is a right time to do this?
I am looking for feedback on this so in advance --thanks. I am serious about my writing and hope to find an agent and get published (one day). I am just looking to see what the masses thought of these forms of media and if I should wait on joining/starting these new ventures.
BTW- I will say it again, I do read all your comments and thank you for all your feedback from Monday's post. It helps so much. I think I may put up a little disclaimer in my sidebar to say-- I am sorry I may not get to answer your comments but I do read them.:)
Have a great day!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
What do your main character(s) look like?
I want to thank Ann Foxlee-that's right go check out her site. I won a cool --really cool-- piece of art by Naoshi . I can't wait to get it in the mail.
Let me thank all of you again (I know I do a lot of this but I am grateful) for all your encouraging comments. I will keep them in my heart to fight off the scary cloud of doubt. I would thank each one of you in the comments but my son has a double ear infection (ouch). I am typing with one hand right now.
This made me smile--I printed out my manuscript yesterday and it looked so nice. A pile of fresh paper waiting to be read. Can't wait to do this. Also, you will notice all the pictures in my post. I am getting better at this blogging thing so I am now comfortable with finding and posting pictures.
I feel like there are contests everywhere I look. When I see them I feel like I have to make mention of them but I have decided I will post all contests I find once a week.
Contest Guinevere at This is Not My Day Job Check out her cool site she has reached 101 followers (I think she has more now). Cool prizes. I posted this in my sidebar.
Contest--Nicole Ducleroir-One Significant Moment in Time--She has reached 100 followers and if you win you get a signed copy of the book Writer's Bump Anthology (Nicole's first published short story appears in this book) and a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card. Drawing on March 15th.
Contest-Writing in the Wilderness-Sarahjayne--celebrating 50 followers--go check it out. You win a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders (it's your choice). Ends 3/5
Let me thank all of you again (I know I do a lot of this but I am grateful) for all your encouraging comments. I will keep them in my heart to fight off the scary cloud of doubt. I would thank each one of you in the comments but my son has a double ear infection (ouch). I am typing with one hand right now.
This made me smile--I printed out my manuscript yesterday and it looked so nice. A pile of fresh paper waiting to be read. Can't wait to do this. Also, you will notice all the pictures in my post. I am getting better at this blogging thing so I am now comfortable with finding and posting pictures.
I feel like there are contests everywhere I look. When I see them I feel like I have to make mention of them but I have decided I will post all contests I find once a week.
Contest Guinevere at This is Not My Day Job Check out her cool site she has reached 101 followers (I think she has more now). Cool prizes. I posted this in my sidebar.
Contest--Nicole Ducleroir-One Significant Moment in Time--She has reached 100 followers and if you win you get a signed copy of the book Writer's Bump Anthology (Nicole's first published short story appears in this book) and a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card. Drawing on March 15th.
Contest-Writing in the Wilderness-Sarahjayne--celebrating 50 followers--go check it out. You win a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders (it's your choice). Ends 3/5
I will make this short--hopefully. I wanted to post about my MC's and make it fun. After yesterday's post, I think you need some smiles. Since I printed out my first draft I thought I would introduce you to who/what my MC's look like.
My one MC, Ian, was the only character that I had a visual of when I started this book. Now in my mind he does not look exactly like this and the hair is shorter but he still has the curls on top. He is not that pale (I know Jackson Rathbone is playing a vampire) and his eyes are piercing blue. So cute:)
My one MC, Ian, was the only character that I had a visual of when I started this book. Now in my mind he does not look exactly like this and the hair is shorter but he still has the curls on top. He is not that pale (I know Jackson Rathbone is playing a vampire) and his eyes are piercing blue. So cute:)
Sorry, photo removed.
My gal Anna well she is another one that has her own look in my head. She has short,dark auburn hair with chunky blonde streaks and green eyes. Somewhat cutsy. Here is someone who has a similar look (actress Ginnifer Goodwin)
Sorry, photo removed.
Thought I would share. See I told you I would make it short. Who do your characters resemble?
Sorry, photo removed.
How did that get there? HEHE Just thought I would post this picture again too! Go ahead girls --swoon:)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Yikes--a snipit...breathe ...oh and contests.
O.k. so I toyed with not thinking of my MC's Ian and Anna and it is difficult not to-- so after you read about more awesome contests you can enter go down a little further and read a brand spanking new clip from my WIP. Why I put myself through constant torture is beyond me. I have decided that I have contracted a disease called knotinmytummyitis--it flairs up every time I post one of these snipits. I guess I am getting myself ready for the world of rejection. I think it may roll off my back a lot easier if I torture myself now. Anyway, It is not in the original first draft and it needs work...a lot of work but I thought I would see what you thought. I came up with it on a whim. There is more to it but it would reveal too much of the story and -well- this post would be wicked long. Please be gentle but I will take any criticism--I'm getting used to it. :)
A couple of contests I have found and thought I would mention first --yes I am putting you off --the blogger--from reading my snipit.
Contest on Noelle Nolan--A Life Rewritten Check out her cool blog and enter to get a $10 gift card to Amazon.com-- Wahoo!
Contest on Reading Writing Rachel Way cool--win a copy of her book Hex Hall-- autographed of course, a Hex Hall t-shirt (yes, they are cool too), and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble--Wow!
O.k. a snipit. This is not in my first draft so totally brand spankin new. Again please disregard the messiness. This is a dialogue between Ian and Anna again no teaser of the whole story just a simple back and forth.
I played with lace on my shoe as I prepared myself to ask. "What about you? You seem to hide behind a wall about your family."
"Like I said before, it would require therapy if I told you." he wrapped his arms around his knees looking away from my gaze. He picked up a small pebble and rubbed between his finger almost as if he wanted to tell me--tell me all of it but something held him back. I was getting annoyed at his games and all the hiding he protected me from. In fact, It was making me angry.
"That's it!" I stood up with a huff.
"What!" His eyes laid back to mine but they tried not to portray that he was just as annoyed as me.
"Really, are they that bad?" I put my hand on my hip and slapped the other hand on my thigh. I had to stand my ground and show I would not fall. Not fall into his beautiful eyes, or melt into the palm of his hands.
Focus Anna! screamed from the back of my mind. I shook my head as I diverted my sight away from him and onto an ugly brown leaf that crumpled in the corner of the old ruin.
"Yes, they are." He stood slowly and turned his body to compliment mine.
"So that is how this relationship is going to go. I pour my life onto you but I get nothing in return." I turned away and faced the cobbled rock wall sliding my finger across a jagged edge.
"If you mean return as in my personal detailed resume... then your right ...nothing." his tone so calm compared to my insides which were about to explode like a volcano erupting in annoyance at the fact that I know nothing about him. I turned to face him and to my surprise he was right in front of me.
How did he get here so fast? My thoughts began to toy with reality. Don't look at him in the eyes..avoid the eyes. If you do you will loose control and he will win.
He smiled then pushed a stray hair away from my face and my stupid eyes gave in-- catching his ice blue ones that tamed the angry fire that was burning in my gut. Every bit of me loosing the reasons why I was so annoyed and allowing his lips to cause a distraction --a distraction that made my mind clear and forget why I was angry in the first place.
There you go. I wrote this quickly yesterday so it is by no means in any shape to be considered remotely good but I promised you a snipit so this one is fresh out of the brain.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend:)
A couple of contests I have found and thought I would mention first --yes I am putting you off --the blogger--from reading my snipit.
Contest on Noelle Nolan--A Life Rewritten Check out her cool blog and enter to get a $10 gift card to Amazon.com-- Wahoo!
Contest on Reading Writing Rachel Way cool--win a copy of her book Hex Hall-- autographed of course, a Hex Hall t-shirt (yes, they are cool too), and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble--Wow!
O.k. a snipit. This is not in my first draft so totally brand spankin new. Again please disregard the messiness. This is a dialogue between Ian and Anna again no teaser of the whole story just a simple back and forth.
I played with lace on my shoe as I prepared myself to ask. "What about you? You seem to hide behind a wall about your family."
"Like I said before, it would require therapy if I told you." he wrapped his arms around his knees looking away from my gaze. He picked up a small pebble and rubbed between his finger almost as if he wanted to tell me--tell me all of it but something held him back. I was getting annoyed at his games and all the hiding he protected me from. In fact, It was making me angry.
"That's it!" I stood up with a huff.
"What!" His eyes laid back to mine but they tried not to portray that he was just as annoyed as me.
"Really, are they that bad?" I put my hand on my hip and slapped the other hand on my thigh. I had to stand my ground and show I would not fall. Not fall into his beautiful eyes, or melt into the palm of his hands.
Focus Anna! screamed from the back of my mind. I shook my head as I diverted my sight away from him and onto an ugly brown leaf that crumpled in the corner of the old ruin.
"Yes, they are." He stood slowly and turned his body to compliment mine.
"So that is how this relationship is going to go. I pour my life onto you but I get nothing in return." I turned away and faced the cobbled rock wall sliding my finger across a jagged edge.
"If you mean return as in my personal detailed resume... then your right ...nothing." his tone so calm compared to my insides which were about to explode like a volcano erupting in annoyance at the fact that I know nothing about him. I turned to face him and to my surprise he was right in front of me.
How did he get here so fast? My thoughts began to toy with reality. Don't look at him in the eyes..avoid the eyes. If you do you will loose control and he will win.
He smiled then pushed a stray hair away from my face and my stupid eyes gave in-- catching his ice blue ones that tamed the angry fire that was burning in my gut. Every bit of me loosing the reasons why I was so annoyed and allowing his lips to cause a distraction --a distraction that made my mind clear and forget why I was angry in the first place.
There you go. I wrote this quickly yesterday so it is by no means in any shape to be considered remotely good but I promised you a snipit so this one is fresh out of the brain.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend:)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
My baby.
Two contests I saw this morning --
1. On Shooting Stars --You can win Two-first five page critiques by two agented authors.
2. On Kristi Faith's R.A.W.-Random Acts of Writing- You can win a gift certificate to the online bookstore of your choice.
I will make it short today because I have to finish my first draft. I know I said I was almost finished it a few weeks ago but I added more so I hope to post the final stats tomorrow. I can't wait to finish and revise.
Well, I am scared because there is so much to be done. I have to embelllish and my kids don't always cooperate in giving me any quiet time what so ever. So my poor hubby suffers at night as I stare at the screen thinking and typing my fingers off. Sorry honey, I'm doing what I love--thanks for letting me just take care of this baby. Yes I still love you :)
So what is your favorite part of your baby--Writing the first draft or revising?
I will not get into what happens after that-- the whole query/searching for agents, editors/ boxing yourself in a corner while you wait patiently, your body rocking back and forth from the nerves that took hold while waiting for rejection I mean an answer--because
a. I have not done that yet--so no expert here.
b. It already puts knots in my stomach thinking about the waiting and rejection.
I must go and finish and review some others work --critiques kiddos.
Oh! and where do you get the cute progress bars I see on some of your blogs. It shows your progress of what you are working on.
Have a good day!
1. On Shooting Stars --You can win Two-first five page critiques by two agented authors.
2. On Kristi Faith's R.A.W.-Random Acts of Writing- You can win a gift certificate to the online bookstore of your choice.
I will make it short today because I have to finish my first draft. I know I said I was almost finished it a few weeks ago but I added more so I hope to post the final stats tomorrow. I can't wait to finish and revise.
Well, I am scared because there is so much to be done. I have to embelllish and my kids don't always cooperate in giving me any quiet time what so ever. So my poor hubby suffers at night as I stare at the screen thinking and typing my fingers off. Sorry honey, I'm doing what I love--thanks for letting me just take care of this baby. Yes I still love you :)
So what is your favorite part of your baby--Writing the first draft or revising?
I will not get into what happens after that-- the whole query/searching for agents, editors/ boxing yourself in a corner while you wait patiently, your body rocking back and forth from the nerves that took hold while waiting for rejection I mean an answer--because
a. I have not done that yet--so no expert here.
b. It already puts knots in my stomach thinking about the waiting and rejection.
I must go and finish and review some others work --critiques kiddos.
Oh! and where do you get the cute progress bars I see on some of your blogs. It shows your progress of what you are working on.
Have a good day!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New background and other misc. things
The designer in me made me do this. I changed my background and I promise I will try and keep it this way.
It is contest month and I swear I have been finding one a day.
Go over to Frankie Writes --She is hosting a contest --The Linger Arc Contest in honor of the new book Linger by Maggie Steifvater. I can't wait to read this one. Tell her I sent you :)
This is not a contest but a great website. I have told you about an awesome illustrator Kaitlyn McCane. Well she now has ETSY site where you can purchase her adorable prints. Sooooo cute ! Check it out.
Another thing, I hope to post another snipit from my WIP. If you didn't catch my very first snipit (that is what I like to call it) check out yesterday's post and let me know what you think. I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words.
I am still putting together a critique group so let me know if you are interested. I may have two people interested so I am looking for one more person. Check out my post from Febuary 9th for details.
Have a great day!
It is contest month and I swear I have been finding one a day.
Go over to Frankie Writes --She is hosting a contest --The Linger Arc Contest in honor of the new book Linger by Maggie Steifvater. I can't wait to read this one. Tell her I sent you :)
This is not a contest but a great website. I have told you about an awesome illustrator Kaitlyn McCane. Well she now has ETSY site where you can purchase her adorable prints. Sooooo cute ! Check it out.
Another thing, I hope to post another snipit from my WIP. If you didn't catch my very first snipit (that is what I like to call it) check out yesterday's post and let me know what you think. I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words.
I am still putting together a critique group so let me know if you are interested. I may have two people interested so I am looking for one more person. Check out my post from Febuary 9th for details.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Contests and critique groups
My post today is simple --contests and critique groups.
Contests--I have seen a few as I have checked up on my favorite blogs. I thought I may list them and if you have any you want to add please feel free.
1. Anissa Off the Record--I have posted this one before. Anissa--god bless her--is posting everyday in the month of February and in return to all your comments she is giving away a Barnes and Noble gift card. There are more details but you can go check them out for yourself :)
2. Michelle Gregory- Keep checking on her lovely website Beautiful Chaos. She will be posting about a new contest in a few days.
3. Lisa and Laura Write -- Lisa and Laura have a page on the Teen Fire Ning. If you are one of their blog followers,join the Teen Fire group and post on the Teen Fire Ning Forum the first 1,000 words of you piece --they will critique it. You need to send them a message on the Ning to let them know you sent it. Check out all the details on their blog. I am not sure I am ready for this. Wish I was ready --we will see. I did join the Teen Fire Ning which is all things YA. Very cool :)
I hope to post a little snip it of what I'm working on soon. Just trying to build my courage --stay tuned for that.
4. Jenni James -Is giving away a bunch of prizes if you pre order her new book. Check out all the details and tell her I sent you.
I have also heard of a blog fest for Valentine's day but I don't know anything about it. If anyone knows anything please let me know.
I am also thinking of starting a critique group. Working on my trust issues. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start? Here is what I would want:
1. Writers who write YA.
2. I would want to keep the group small-- say 4 people total.
3. Must be prepared to really beta everyone's work. We all have one goal in mind--to succeed.
4. Always keeping tabs on each other. Making sure we do what we say we will do with our work. I babbling here --sorry.
5. Support each other in good times and in bad.
I am not sure when to start this. I am just finishing my first draft and then I will be revising, revising, revising. If you are interested please send me a message.
Thanks!
Contests--I have seen a few as I have checked up on my favorite blogs. I thought I may list them and if you have any you want to add please feel free.
1. Anissa Off the Record--I have posted this one before. Anissa--god bless her--is posting everyday in the month of February and in return to all your comments she is giving away a Barnes and Noble gift card. There are more details but you can go check them out for yourself :)
2. Michelle Gregory- Keep checking on her lovely website Beautiful Chaos. She will be posting about a new contest in a few days.
3. Lisa and Laura Write -- Lisa and Laura have a page on the Teen Fire Ning. If you are one of their blog followers,join the Teen Fire group and post on the Teen Fire Ning Forum the first 1,000 words of you piece --they will critique it. You need to send them a message on the Ning to let them know you sent it. Check out all the details on their blog. I am not sure I am ready for this. Wish I was ready --we will see. I did join the Teen Fire Ning which is all things YA. Very cool :)
I hope to post a little snip it of what I'm working on soon. Just trying to build my courage --stay tuned for that.
4. Jenni James -Is giving away a bunch of prizes if you pre order her new book. Check out all the details and tell her I sent you.
I have also heard of a blog fest for Valentine's day but I don't know anything about it. If anyone knows anything please let me know.
I am also thinking of starting a critique group. Working on my trust issues. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start? Here is what I would want:
1. Writers who write YA.
2. I would want to keep the group small-- say 4 people total.
3. Must be prepared to really beta everyone's work. We all have one goal in mind--to succeed.
4. Always keeping tabs on each other. Making sure we do what we say we will do with our work. I babbling here --sorry.
5. Support each other in good times and in bad.
I am not sure when to start this. I am just finishing my first draft and then I will be revising, revising, revising. If you are interested please send me a message.
Thanks!
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