Monday Mumbles

Over the weekend, I attended a workshop taught by the lovely Frankie Diane Mallis. It was very informative. If you happen to be in the Philly area, keep tabs on Musehouse Literary Center. They have some great workshops and maybe Frankie will be teaching another one in the future.

I've been thinking on how to spice the blog up. Really, I talk a lot, but it's about feelings and such, and that will not change, but I want to start posting about the craft and what I learn. I know I've done this before, but I feel like I should do this more. So, you will be seeing some more posts on strengthening the craft. Why? Well, because, I'm always learning and it doesn't hurt to share what we learn.

You see, I'm not technical. Yep, you heard me. I'm not the most technical. I write more on instinct than anything else so I need to keep strengthening my technical muscles. It will require me to dive back into my library of craft books, and as you know, that's a hard thing for me to do. I'm a visual learner and unless the book is written well, in other words not like a textbook, then I should be okay.

I'm also about to jump back on the revision train. My first draft is almost finished and I have a MS that has been patiently waiting for my attention. That means I will be switching gears after turkey day and jumping into revisions. So, I will be reviewing my notes and trying to make that baby shine.

I figured along the way as I review, I will post my findings. I'm sure I've written posts on many of these topics, but hey, I might write them better this time around.

Have you learned something new lately?

I will also be adding some tabs at the top on helpful links and such so stay tuned.
Have a great day!!

Go easy on yourself

Artwork by Kaitlyn McCane

With fast paced lifestyles, we can beat ourselves up. I know I do. I'm my hardest critic. Yep, I'm super hard on myself. I push myself to limits that I probably shouldn't. I find it unexceptable that I can't juggle a client, writing, my kids, reading, my house, etc. I cringe when something is dirty. To me there is no excuse. When I get tired at night, I get frustrated because I need to get stuff done.

What I need to learn is that it's okay. I can't do everything. I am one person. I have to accept that when I fully focus on one thing, other things will suffer.

So, how can you change it?

1. Try to give yourself credit. I have a real hard time with this. I do beat myself up over little things that don't get done or not done right. It's okay. We're not perfect and we can't do everything. One solution--write down everything you do and want to do. Take a few items and do them. Finish them if you can--one at a time. A sense of accomplishment is the best, but be realistic about what you can finish in the time that you have.

2. Say no to things. As hard as it is--you have to. Mainly to keep your sanity.

3. Take breaks. This is difficult for me. I like to keep going. Sitting and doing nothing makes me antsy, but forcing yourself to take a break might be a mind saver.

4. When you get sick--rest. This goes along with #3.

5.  Don't feel guilty. This one is tough. I feel bad if something doesn't get done or I'm not spending every waking moment with my kids or my husband. It's okay.  Doing something for you is the best medicine.

Oh and the biggest one--eat chocolate. Okay, that's my calming potion. Yours may be different.

Do you have any pointers to add?

A big thanks to Frankie Diane Mallis and Simon Larter for another fun Philly Lit. You guys are the best. I'm sure Frankie will be posting photos.

Have a great day!

CRACKED launch party!!

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

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!

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

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!!

Rekindle the Fire and Happy New Year!

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)

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!!

Hoping I'm not that person.

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! 

I'm in a video--yikes.

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

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!

Phew!

Okay, so blogger being down last week totally messed me up with my posts. That means today's post-- not what I was planning.

This weekend I was a busy gal. Between a bridal shower and my goddaughters birthday party, I managed to go to Philly lit night. It was a blast as usual. Yes, we talked about writing, but of course, the conversation can sway with hypothetical stories and descriptions of wine vacuums. *coughs* No, I'm not going there. Thanks Simon and Frankie! Can't wait till the next meeting. We did get a group shot of all the cool folks, but I haven't seen it yet.

I also managed to get out of my slump. I think. I'm visualizing what I have to do to fill in some parts, and just to be clear with my CP, Kelly, I have not written them. I only put the ideas in my journal. :) I also figured out how I want to proceed. That means I need to get my butt in gear and write.

I even managed to set up a gmail account for my writing stuff. Ahh yes, in preparation for the ton of rejections I will be receiving, I set up a seperate email for my writing. I tried several versions of my name, but they were all taken, which is a little scary.

Where does that lead this post--my goals for the week-- to fit in writing between cleaning. Yeah, that's it.

How was your weekend?

What are your goals?

OMG, I totally forgot--see blogger being down totally screwed me up. The amazing and lovely Stina Lindenblatt is having a contest for reaching 500 followers! Totally amazing, and since she is so awesome, you must go over and congratulate her. You know you love her cool links Fridays. Now go, people! Ends May 29th.

Have a great day!